Leadpipe Cleaning - Simple & Effective for Trumpets, Cornets, etc.

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This cleaning method is not original, I believe I read about this from Jason Harrelson. At any rate - this is a great way to get your leadpipe as clean as it can be. And it's one of the few ways to AT LEAST retard the progress of redrot. I don't know of any way to reverse the degradation of the leadpipe from redrot - but this will at least stop it from corroding further - which is good. And if used wisely should prohibit redrot from gettting a start in your horn. Well... Clean horns is my hope for you all! :)

[@GordonHudson]

That's really interesting. I clean my leadpipe more regularly than doing the whole instrument, but I normally use soapy water. It takes a few fill, empty, scrub cycles to get to clear water. I can see how isopropyl alcohol would work better as it's a solvent.

[@JonathanMilam1]

The alcohol doesn't seem as harmful to brass as some other concoctions I've used, but does seem more effective. Not an original idea, but a very good one I think. :) Always nice to hear from you, Gordon. Let's keep the enlarged trip to the US under consideration. :)

[@robertg7538]

Simple and helpful. Thanks

[@JonathanMilam1]

Yes indeed! Thanks to Jason H! :)

[@gregorypicazohornguy3054]

Good idea. Think I'll start doing this

[@JonathanMilam1]

Gregory, thanks for commenting. I think you'll be happy with the results. Comment back and let us all know! :)

[@stephenmurphy8833]

Great tip thanks

[@JonathanMilam1]

Thank you, Stephen. It's a great help - thanks to Jason Harrelson. :)

[@williemakeit2346]

Beautiful Olds Recording you have! What year? That horn ties with the Conn 38B as my favorite trumpet.

[@JonathanMilam1]

It’s from ‘52; one of the last years at the LA factory. Very pretty horn! I just got an Olds Mendez trumpet this week, it’s also from ‘52. A video will be up soon. :)

[@williemakeit2346]

@@JonathanMilam1cool. Looking forward to seeing the Mendez!

[@Kenevans1258]

Aside from taking everything apart and cleaning it every month or so, I've been using Spitballs once a week. I don't usually see much on the used spitballs and was wondering what others' opinions are of using them? This method has to be a bit better than spitballs.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Hey, Ken; great comment. I use spitballs as well and I think they're nearly as good. We get more alcohol this way, but I use spitballs on some cornet wraps that don't allow much leadpipe entry with a snake (Olds Recording cornet - most flugels). Any alcohol is better than none though; alcohol is VERY effective fighting decay in the leadpipe (and total) horn area.

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

I use BlowDry Brass. Similar concept.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Very similar concept. I use it for cornets and flugels that have a wrap that prevents much leadpipe penetration with a snake. I think it gets a little less alcohol in the leadpipe area - but it goes through the whole horn, which is certainly a plus. Thanks for commenting! :)

[@rickcroucher]

Jonathan, are you familiar with the group TUBA SKINNY? Shaye Cohn blows a great cornet.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Cool group! :) Fun sound, isn't it?

[@rickcroucher]

Yes! I really enjoy their playing

[@samham9942]

I use alcohol wipes to clean my lead pipe.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Just about the same thing - and certainly easier with the wrap of some cornets and flugels.