Another Cleaning Question-Chemical Baths

[rs2sensen]

I recall a couple posts in which disassembling a horn has been mentioned. I've done this to my instruments, usually for the purposes of oiling, and feel very comfortable doing so. However, I have sort of a side question with all of this.

I recently took a look at my Yamaha YAS-23 student horn, which has for the most part stayed in it's case since I got my Series II. As expected, some of the pads were a bit sticky, and that sort of thing. Easily remedied by a quick disassemble, standard cleaning, etc. However, upon a closer look, I've begun to realize how much playing outside, occasionally in the rain, and marching has done to her.

I've heard of horns getting "chemical baths" at music stores. On a saxophone, this is usually rather expensive because a complete overhaul is typically done at the same time. (All of the keys and pads have to be removed). However, I am wondering if there are any household chemicals/cleaners that would be safe and effective to use just on the body of the horn, and on any keys that don't have a pad connected to them. I would just disassemble the horn, hand clean anything with pads, and then soak the rest.

Thanks!

 

[griff136]

I clean the bodies of saxes in a bath of soapy water ( i use fairly liquid or general household liquid for cleaning the dishes)- just tepid water as if its hot then the lacquer may spoil -

I use nylon brushes of varying sizes to clean the body and ive even got a toilet brush that does down to the bottom of the bell.

This method is usually enough to get it clean and I wipe dry with a towel.

I always give the needle springs -if they are not stainless steel of course - a wipe over with some oil as well as in the post holes.

It is very important to make sure that the post holes and the springs are dry and oiled afterwards to prevent any rusting because if theres any water in the screw post then the screws can rust into the post as they are mostly made of mild steel.

Sometimes I use a hair dryer -on low heat to dry out these areas.

I dont use Chemical stripping or cleaning myself purely because I dont have the facility to use the chemicals and the bathing methos i described works ok for me.