Brass Instruments

About Renting or Purchasing a Brass Instrument

For many beginners, renting from a reputable band-instrument dealer is the most practical first step. The instrument should be in good working condition, and the rental provider should offer repairs and routine service.

Care requirements vary by instrument. Valve oil, rotor oil, tuning-slide grease, and trombone slide lubricant are not interchangeable. Use only the product intended for the specific part of the instrument. Moisture should be emptied after playing, and the mouthpiece should be cleaned regularly.

When comparing rental programs, ask which accessories and care supplies are included, how repairs are handled, what insurance or damage protection covers, whether the instrument can be exchanged, and whether rental payments may be applied toward a purchase.

Avoid very inexpensive no-name brass instruments sold online without repair support. If an instrument is difficult to operate or cannot be serviced locally, it can interfere with the student’s progress.

What You’ll Need

Instrument, mouthpiece, protective case, and the care supplies appropriate for that instrument. Most rental instruments include a mouthpiece and case, but lubricants and cleaning supplies may need to be purchased separately.

• Trumpet, cornet, and other piston-valve instruments: valve oil, tuning-slide grease, and a mouthpiece brush.
• Trombone: trombone slide lubricant, tuning-slide grease, a mouthpiece brush, and a water spray bottle if recommended for the lubricant being used.
• French horn and other rotary-valve instruments: rotor oil, tuning-slide grease, and a mouthpiece brush. An instrument-specific care kit is often the easiest way to obtain the correct supplies.