How to Assemble and Prepare Your Trombone for Playing

This is a guide that will show you how to assemble and prepare a trombone in order to be played. Following these steps will ensure longevity for your instrument, as well as minimize later issues dealing with upkeep, tone, and overall sound quality.

Supplies

• Trombone (Which is made up of the bell, slide, tuner slide, and mouthpiece)
• Slide Grease
• Tuner Slide Grease
• Tuning Device (not pictured within the visual aid, however there are hundreds of websites or free smartphone apps available)

Step 1: Open Your Trombone's Case

Open the case where the trombone is stored. Not all cases are the same, however most utilize a simple latch system like the one pictured.

Step 2: Attach the Mouthpiece to the Slide

Notice that there are 2 holes on the slide. Gently place the mouth piece in the hole that does not have small brass piece protruding out. Do not jam the mouthpiece inside of the hole, otherwise you will damage the slide.

Step 3: Grease Your Slide

This step may not be required if you recently greased your slide.

Extended the slide down to the 7th position revealing the silver tubing as seen in the first image. If this position is awkward to hold, place down the slide inside of the trombone's storage case where it can rest flat. Apply 1 continuous streak of slide grease down the silver tubes. After applying, the slide should resemble the second image. After applying the lubricant, pull the slide back in to the 1st position. Alternate the slide's position between 1st and 6th several times in order to distribute the lubricant along the slide. If the slide is still sticky, apply more lubricant where the most resistance is or where you hear friction.

Use your slide grease conservatively because using too much will cause buildup.

(slide position graphic supplied by u/Piano_Trombone_Guy on Reddit)

Step 4: Attach the Slide to the Bell

Insert the small brass piece protruding out from the slide inside of the bell. Both pieces of the trombone should be perpendicular to each other. After connecting the 2 components, rotate the screw clockwise to lock everything together. Do not over-tighten the screw, or you will damage the instrument.

Step 5: Tuning

Tune your trombone to your desired note. If you do not have a traditional tuning device on hand, there are thousands of free websites and smartphone apps that can assist you.

If you happen to be out of tune, pull out your tuning slide away from the bell in small increments, re-tuning after each movement. Conservatively apply Tuner Slide Grease to the newly exposed brass if the Tuner Slide is sticky.

Step 6: Opening the Water Key

The Water Key (or Spit Valve) is a small tab at the bottom of the trombone's slide where accumulated saliva can be expelled. Simply push the slide in with your thumb, and let gravity push the saliva out. Remove your thumb after.