Posted by bloke on January 17, 2004 at 19:40:25:
In Reply to: repair techs: silver polish query posted by jeff miller on January 17, 2004 at 18:59:05:
I've played tubas for which others had paid $17,000, but I haven't ever played a $17,000 tuba...
That being said, I use Wright's Silver Cream mixed approximately half and half with Octagon (strong/concentrated) dishwashing liquid soap. I work this goo over the instrument with my bare hands (nails clipped) to avoid any scratching by any sort of cloth or sponge...Actually a REAL (animal body, not synthetic) sponge would work as well or better than bare hands, but these are rarely available these days. When done, I jet all of this off with high-pressure warm-near-hot water. The dishwashing liquid in the mix allows it to rinse off with ease. When done, I pat it dry with a very soft towel. Of course, I stay away from the slide ends and valve caps with this procedure, and I don't "jet" hot water into the bell interior.