ACB mini-lesson #67 : Break in your new trumpet the RIGHT way!

So you just got a brand new horn, and you're asking, is a break-in even worth it? Simple answer:
ABSOLUTELY!
A lot of us (myself included) want to rip open the case and jump right into a new instrument! Please do yourself a favor and watch this short video about some proper tips on how to break-in the new instrument, especially in terms of the valves. An ounce of prevention is going to go a LONG LONG way!
1:54 A new horn with precisely fit valves will take a while to adjust to your particular finger motion. Even a month or two is a common break-in period.
Here's what to do during the break-in period:
4:48 Use a high quality valve oil. Valve oil is cheap; valve rebuilds are expensive.
5:20 Before you play, take out each valve and wipe off any residue with a microfiber cloth.
6:20 Make sure the horn is lubricated with valve oil and slide grease; this ensures you're getting the best compression and performance out of the horn.
7:06 Put about 10 drops of valve oil down the leadpipe and blow though the horn. You want to get some oil coated onto the inside of the leadpipe and tuning slide to help slow the development of redrot.
8:14 Give your horn a bath after about 2 weeks. Make sure to swab out the casings. Don't worry if you notice any darker residue on the valves, that's a normal experience during the break-in process.
And most importantly, enjoy the process of getting to know your new trumpet!
Big thanks to our friends at Adams Brass for making some of the finest horns in the world. I used the Adams Sonic Trumpet for this demonstration. We have tons of amazing Adams at this link:
www.austincust...
And hundreds others at this link:
www.austincust...
Austin Custom Brass is one of the world's premier brass pro shops. We routinely have hundreds of instruments in stock. If you are looking for something in particular please let us know via email at [e-mail] or call 781-944-6247 today!
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[@blainekelley816]

Best day ever … new horn day!!! YES!!

[@rdbordeman]

I love these guys! Thank you for these videos.

[@ramirohernandez7483]

Great information I had no idea of the break in process Thank you!

[@teslasintern]

So I did this complete method on my Adam's CN1 cornet and ACB piccolo trumpet, and finished off with a horn shower, as shown in your linked video (incidentally, its harder on a cornet because of the extra turns, but a little suction on the leadpipe got the water moving through.) All I can say is I'm thoroughly impressed at how much BETTER the Adam's valves are after the works (and they were really great before!) One thing I did do though, is instead of putting oil down the leadpipe, I used a a spare blow-dry bit soaked in oil. Assuming the bit doesn't break down, I might do this every time, as I'd imagine it will provide a perfect coating.

[@DavidAndersoniiVI]

Thanks for the info and congratulations on the 10,000 subscriber mark! Hope you get 10s of thousands more.

[@khanhnguyenngoc7039]

Thanks, Trent a lot! Your videos help me well. Keep it up, Trent!!!

[@da11king]

Ok am getting a new horn soon. Thx for the tips. I didn't know leadpipe needs oil as well

[@ewetho]

You know I saw this before I got my ACB Doubler’s Large Bore Cornet and…… damn the valves are now FAST! When I got the horn in new it was at best ‘eh… ok cheap horn…. Now…. Dang! The inexpensive horn has some seriously fast valves… great compression too…. Thanks Trent! PS… waiting for my Doubler’s Flugel to arrive now!

[@epicsymphonicvistas]

This is great, thank you Trent!

[@edstud1]

Great video! I was wondering about the valve break in!

[@austincustom]

Glad I could help!

[@chriscoughlan8018]

Hi Trent, You also recommend BlowDry, which I find great at keeping the horn really clean and moisture free. If used this will effectively remove any oil in the tubing, but also combat developing red rot by removing the moisture and any contaminants. Oil of BlowDry? I always find lots of excess cutting compound etc in new horns, it pays to give them a couple of thorough cleans, this includs the two Adams that have been delivered to me. Cheers, Chris

[@teslasintern]

So I use a bit soaked in oil, after the one soaked in alcohol.

[@robertandreucci1173]

Thanks for this! Seems like you made this just for me 😀 you’re sending me my horn today !! A new A4… looking forward to breaking it in….

[@austincustom]

oh no! Not just for you! I was shocked I didn't do a similar video years ago... we are going to send it to every customer who purchases a new horn (regardless of brand) for their review! That A4 heading your way is sweet! Enjoy it!

[@dawnmahrt]

Some day....

[@curtelverd]

Do you all have any recommendations for breaking in a used trumpet?

[@luisalmeida3202]

How long you gotta break It in until sound starts to produce.

[@ccrider5398]

Very nice. I didn't know about putting oil down the lead pipe. No one likes red rot! Do you do that from time to time or just during break in?

[@bobroberts6812]

How often do you recommend putting valve oil in the lead pipe?

[@austincustom]

I add a few drops every session. Such a great way to make sure your leadpipe stays cleaner (provided you are also regularly swabbing it out or using a product like the amazing Blow-Dry brass which we LOVE!).