How to Remove a Mouthpiece from a Trumpet
Trumpet mouthpieces are inserted into the instrument when it is in use, and later removed when the trumpet needs to be stored. However, while these can usually be removed with a simple twist, they often get thoroughly stuck in the instrument. This might occur because the mouthpiece was not the right size, or because the instrument was played with too much pressure. In these scenarios, it is essential to employ gentle methods to remove the mouthpiece, so that the instrument is not damaged in the process.
Things Required:
– Scrap leather or terry cloth
– Valve oil
– Ice water
– Rubber mallet
– Mouthpiece puller
Instructions
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1
A simple way of removing the mouthpiece from the trumpet is to give it a couple of good twists, to pull it out of the instrument. Twisting out a mouthpiece that is stuck will require you to have a firm grip, which you can maintain by keeping a piece of some rough material between your hand and the mouthpiece. Ideally, a scrap of leather, or a terry cloth would work best for this purpose, and allow you to twist the mouthpiece firmly, without hurting your hand. Try using some water to make the material slightly damp, before you attempt to use it to remove the mouthpiece.
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2
Another method you can use is to loosen up the mouthpiece by using valve oil. Simply apply a couple of drops of this oil onto the crack where the mouthpiece is inserted into the lead pipe of the trumpet. Make sure you use just a drop or two of the oil – you don’t want it to dripping down the trumpet, as this will make it all too greasy, and you won’t be able to slide the mouthpiece out. After applying the oil, grasp the mouthpiece using the cloth, and twist it until you dislodge it.
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3
Using a rubber mallet to tap at the mouthpiece until it comes out is another option. Hold the trumpet upside down, and tap at the area around the mouthpiece, directly below where it is stuck. Rotate the trumpet as you tap away at a downward angle, to make sure you are hitting all over it in order to take it out.
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4
Chilling the mouthpiece is another option when you are trying to dislodge it from the trumpet. Since metal expands when it is hot, cooling the instrument will cause the metal to shrink, and the mouthpiece to pop right out. Keep the lead pipe warm with your hand while you insert the end of the mouthpiece into a bowl filled with ice water. After holding it there for a while, take it out, dry it, and try pulling the mouthpiece out.
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5
Finally, if all your methods fail, take the instrument to a band director, or to a local instrument repair person. They are likely to have a mouthpiece puller – a piece of equipment which is specially designed to dislodge mouthpieces from trumpets.
