Trombone Slide Care: How to Keep It Smooth and Fast

Slide lubrication is a significant step in your trombone care routine as this procedure extends the lifetime of your instrument and makes it easier to play and sound good. Let’s explore how you can keep your trombone slide smooth and fast with our step-by-step guide. 

4 Reasons Why You Need to Care for Your Trombone Slide

1. You achieve more precise pitch control on your way to the desired sound. If not cleaned properly, the slide accumulates dirt build-up, which makes it sluggish and sticky, and affects your performance.
2. You can play fast passages better. Grime and residue of old lubricants add friction, making fast passages sloppy. However, if your trombone slide is well-lubed, it moves smoothly, providing better intonation and accuracy.
3. You have a stable tone. The slide affects airflow, so if it sticks or drags, the air stream breaks up, resulting in cracked notes and poor pitch control. 
4. You reduce the risk of damage to the brass surface. Dirt and moisture both lead to corrosion affecting your trombone’s playability as well as increasing the risk of expensive repairs. 

Step-By-Step Guide on Cleaning Your Trombone Slide

Your trombone cleaning set should include a cleaning rod and a soft cloth (or an old bedsheet)

The cleaning routine should be done in several steps: 

1. Remove the outer slide. Place the inner slide in a safe place to avoid damage. 
2. Pull the cloth through the eye of the cleaning rod. Ensure its tip is fully covered. Cover the rest of the rod. Make sure you have no metal parts exposed to avoid damage to your slide. 
3. Push the cleaning rod into the slide. If you feel a tight fit, it means everything is done properly. Move the cleaning rod back and forth. Then do the same for the other side of your slide. 
4. Take a soft microfiber cloth and wipe down the slides. 

Step-By-Step Guide on Lubricating Your Trombone Slide

Today, you can find three common slide lubricants on the market, each with specific benefits. 

Slide Cream

This is a thick, wax-like paste used to create long-lasting lubrication. Apply it in a thin layer and then activate with a spray of distilled water. The use of water helps the lubricant create a slick film between the inner and outer slide tubes. Avoid using tap water as it will leave mineral spots.

How to Lubricate

1. Apply a small amount of cream to the stocking — the area where the inner slide gets a bit thicker. Insert the inner slide into the corresponding side of the outer slide and move it back and forth.
2. Spray distilled water on the lubricated area of the inner slide and the rest of the surface. 
3. Wipe off excess cream.

Benefits of Slide Cream

• It helps your slide move smoothly with a consistent speed, but without feeling slippery.
• It lasts longer than oils, making it the best option for extended performances.
• It produces less splatter due to thick consistency.
  

Slide Oil

This is a light, liquid lubricant, resembling valve oil and mostly favored by trombonists who often play fast technical passages 

How to Lubricate

1. Shake the bottle. 
2. Apply one or two drops to the stocking. 
3. Take the corresponding side of the outer slide, insert the inner slide into it, and move back and forth.
4. Remove any excess oil with a soft cloth.
5. Do the same procedure before every playing session.

Benefits of Slide Oil

• It’s applied with less mess since you don’t need any water for its activation. 
• It’s easier for beginners as you just use a few drops. 
• It doesn’t leave a thick dirt buildup.
  

Slide Gel

This semi-liquid lubricant is a middle ground between the two previous ones. Most trombone players like it for its ability to stay consistent regardless of climate conditions.  Moreover, it provides a more balanced feel, compared to creams and oils. 

How to Lubricate

1. Apply a small dot to both slides.
2. Move them to help it spread evenly.
3. Wipe off the excess gel.

Benefits of the Slide Gel

• You can play several sessions before you need to reapply the lubricant.
• It doesn’t result in much buildup compared to creams. 
• It works well in warm and cold climates.
  

Note: Once you finish with lubrication, you need to check if you’ve done it right. Take your slide and hold it at a 45-degree angle. Let it fall naturally toward your hand. Ensure you don’t let the slide fall on the floor. If it moves smoothly, you’ve done it all properly. If there’s some resistance, add a bit more lubricant. 

Things to Consider when Lubricating a Trombone Slide

1. Always remove old lubricants before applying a new one.
2. Clean your slide with warm water and mild soap every few weeks. 
3. Never apply too much cream, oil, or gel, as it can prevent the slide from moving fast.
4. If you lubricate the slide but it feels sluggish after playing only for 10 to 15 minutes, contact a specialist. 
5. Avoid using lubricants of different brands as they may contain different chemical bases that can react with each other and build up a sticky residue. 
6. Clean your trombone slide with a swab after each playing session to remove moisture from the inner slide. 

Also consider the following aspects when using various lubricants: 

Cream:  It can mix with dirt and result in thick buildup over time. Always remove the old residue before applying a lubricant. If you apply too much or too little water for its activation, the slide will drag or feel uneven.

Oil: It wears out fast, so you need to regularly reapply it. Due to the liquid consistency it makes it easier for dirt to stick to that results in gritty spots. 

Gel: Too much gel applied can collect dirt. Gels also cost more than creams and oils, and only fewer brands make them. 

Accessories for Your Trombone Slide Protection

The problem with the slide is that your hand constantly comes into contact with its surface during practices and performances. As a result, it becomes covered with sweat, oil, and moisture. When accumulated, these residues can increase the risk of damage to your trombone finish. However, by covering these vulnerable areas with trombone hand guards you can extend the lifetime of its finish. Moreover, these accessories make it easier for you to hold your trombone, preventing direct contact between your skin and metal surface. You get a non-slippery wrap that helps you stay immersed in your music rather than distracted with discomfort. 

Final Word

With each practice your slides accumulate dirt and moisture inside, becoming sticky and slow over time and thus preventing you from achieving a good sound. You can also experience the difficulty with moving your slide, which totally breaks the joy of playing. However, by lubricating your slide with one of three commonly used lubricants you can maintain this instrument in the best condition and bring the joy of playing a trombone back. 

Our company has designed many practical accessories for your comfort and instrument protection. You can explore them in our category for Leather Accessories for Trombone & Euphonium. 

Source: 

Care and Maintenance of a Trombone:What do I need to do daily? - Musical Instrument Guide - Yamaha Corporation

Cream, Oil, or Gel: Which One is Better for Your Trombone Slide? – KGUmusic