Posted by lee Stofer on January 28, 2002 at 08:47:32:
In Reply to: Bad taste in tuba... posted by Dave on January 27, 2002 at 13:35:18:
Dave,
Chuck(G) had some pretty sound advice. I'd like to add, that UMI now markets a low brass maintenance kit that has a snake big enough to do some good in a tuba. If you have a funky, musty case, clean all the trash out, vacuum it out thoroughly, spray the interior with Lysol or Febreeze, and leave it open for a day or two to air out.
If you don't have an instrument repair professional nearby to clean the instrument, the two next-best option is the bathtub route, using dishwashing liquid and about a cup of ammonia in warm water, using the snake thoroughly. After it has been washed, rinsed and dried, I'd suggest using Tarni-Shield by 3-M on the outside if it is silver-plated, as this protects the finish and makes the horn smell better, or using Meguiar's Cleaner Wax(automotive) on the exterior if it is lacquered. The Meguiar's will remove fine scratches in the finish, and give it real protection against the oils in your skin.
-Lee Stofer