Trumpets, trombones, tubas, and other wind instruments have a mouthpiece called a mouthpiece and is located at one end of the instrument. These parts are small and easily bent or dented until they are damaged. If the mouthpiece is dented inward, it may be difficult to remove it. There are a few simple ways to remove a stuck mouthpiece and make sure it doesn't happen again.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Trying Some Simple Techniques
Step 1. Pull the mouthpiece by hand
If the mouthpiece is stuck, try gripping and twisting it counterclockwise. You should be able to pull the mouthpiece out if it's not stuck too deep.
Step 2. Tap the mouthpipe with a wooden hammer
Use a wooden mallet and lightly tap around the mouthpipe a few times (where the mouthpiece enters). This method helps loosen the connection between the mouthpiece and the musical instrument.
Step 3. Tie the string around the mouthpiece
Hold the instrument in one hand and hold the end of the string with the other. Pull the string to try to remove the mouthpiece.
- You can also wrap something around the rope, such as a wooden hammer or something else to add leverage to the rope pull and remove the mouthpiece.
- If it does manage to get out, the mouthpiece may fly off and hit the floor or wall, causing damage again.
Method 2 of 5: Using the Hot and Cold Method
Step 1. Place the musical instrument over the sink
You'll need a hot water faucet and a towel (to catch the water dripping off the instrument).
Step 2. Tie some ice cubes to the instrument using a wide rubber band
This rubber is usually used to bind vegetables. Position the ice cube around the mouthpiece and cover it with a rubber band. Let the ice cool the instrument for a few minutes.
Step 3. Run hot water on the mouthpipe
Pour the water as close to the mouthpiece as possible without melting the ice. The heat from the water hitting the mouthpipe will cause the metal to expand slightly. Meanwhile, the ice cubes shrink the metal mouthpiece. Keep running hot water for a few minutes.
Do not let the hot water touch the lacquered (yellowish) part because it will fade the varnish or even disappear altogether
Step 4. Turn off the tap water and take the mouthpiece
Remove musical instruments from the sink. Wrap the rubber band around the mouthpiece as tightly as possible. Grip the mouthpiece firmly, using the rubber band as the handle, and pull the mouthpiece out.
Step 5. Dry and store your instrument
Dry the instrument carefully with a soft cloth. After making sure that there is no water remaining on the instrument, carefully store it in its container.
Step 6. Check the mouthpiece for damage
The end of the mouthpiece that enters the instrument must be round and clean. There should be no rust or other debris on this part. Look for dents, ovals, or crush marks by holding the instrument close to your eyes, or compare it to an instrument that is in good condition.
Step 7. Use the mouthpiece fixing tool
If the shape of your mouthpiece is really abnormal, use a mouthpiece corrector to restore it to its proper shape. This tool is shaped like a thin T that has a pointed tip. This tool is used by inserting the center end into the mouthpiece hole. Tapping lightly with a rubber mallet (not a hammer for hitting nails!) will force the tip of the mouthpiece back into a rounded shape.
Method 3 of 5: Using a Mouthpiece Puller
Step 1. Try not to use pliers or similar tools for musical instruments
Pliers are the worst tool for repairing musical instruments because they can scratch and bend the mouthpiece. If used, the mouthpipe of your instrument may be damaged.
Step 2. Purchase or borrow a mouthpiece puller
A mouthpiece puller is a device specifically used to pull a stuck mouthpiece out of a wind instrument. This tool can be used for large or small instruments, such as trumpet, trombone, tuba, and so on. These devices can be purchased online or at music stores. The most commonly used mouthpiece pullers are:
- Bobcat Mouthpiece Puller: This is the cheapest option, with a price of around IDR 700,000. This tool has two screws that need to be tightened together.
- Ferree G88 Mouthpiece Puller: The price of this tool is a bit more expensive, around Rp. 1,400,000. This tool is thicker, but has only one T-handle that needs to be tightened during use.
- DEG Magnum Mouthpiece Puller: This tool is usually the most expensive option, costing around IDR 2,000,000 and very similar to Ferree.
Step 3. Place the instrument on the table
You must work on a flat surface. Try to place the instrument as far from the edge as possible so it doesn't fall. Otherwise, you can work on the floor, especially if you have a large instrument.
Ask someone to hold the instrument while you use the mouthpiece puller
Step 4. Align the mouthpiece puller with the mouthpiece of the musical instrument
One end of the mouthpiece puller will fit where the mouthpiece is on the instrument. Usually, there is a recess or other U-shaped area where the mouthpiece puller can be attached to the mouthpiece.
Read the manufacturer's manual to ensure the mouthpiece puller is used correctly
Step 5. Tighten the mouthpiece puller
The process of this step depends on the type of tool used, namely the screw model (on the Bobcat Mouthpiece Puller) or the T handle (on the Ferree G88 Mouthpiece Puller). Turn the screws evenly, firmly and carefully. The mouthpiece will begin to slowly eject from the instrument.
Step 6. Remove the mouthpiece
After loosening the mouthpiece puller, you can rotate the mouthpiece and gently pull it out.
For heavily snagged mouthpieces, use a rubber mallet to tap the tool while it is securely fastened. This will allow you to rotate a bit more so that the mouthpiece is looser
Step 7. Check the mouthpiece for damage
The tip of the mouthpiece that enters the instrument must be round and clean. There should be no rust or other debris on this part. Look for dents, ovals, or crush marks by holding the instrument close to your eyes, or compare it to an instrument that is in good condition.
Step 8. Use the mouthpiece fixing tool
If the shape of your mouthpiece is really abnormal, use a mouthpiece corrector to restore it to its proper shape. This tool is shaped like a thin T that has a pointed tip. This tool is used by inserting the center end into the mouthpiece hole. Tapping lightly with a rubber mallet (not a hammer for hitting nails!) will force the tip of the mouthpiece back into a rounded shape.
Method 4 of 5: Asking for Help
Step 1. Try not to use pliers or similar tools for musical instruments
Pliers are the worst tool for repairing musical instruments because they can scratch and bend the mouthpiece. If used, the mouthpipe of your instrument may be damaged.
Step 2. Ask the band director for help
Usually the band director has repair kits to fix minor damage to the instrument. Chances are, he has a mouthpiece puller that you can borrow.
Your music director can also check the mouthpiece to make sure it fits properly
Step 3. Ask an experienced wind instrument player for help
Someone who has played a wind instrument for a long time is usually experienced in fixing a stuck mouthpiece. Ask him to help remove the mouthpiece from your instrument using the most appropriate technique.
Step 4. Take the instrument to a repair shop
Usually a musical instrument repair place has a mouthpiece puller or other equipment to remove the mouthpiece. Sometimes these repairs are free of charge because the procedure is simple and quick to complete. Call the repair shop first to make sure they can remove the mouthpiece from your instrument.
Ask the repair shop staff to clean and inspect your musical instrument and mouthpiece
Method 5 of 5: Preventing the Mouthpiece from Resnapping
Step 1. Check the mouthpiece for damage
The end of the mouthpiece that enters the instrument must be round and clean. There should be no rust or other debris on this part. Look for dents, ovals, or crush marks by holding the instrument close to your eye, or compare it to an instrument that is in good condition.
Step 2. Use the mouthpiece fixing tool
If the shape of your mouthpiece is really abnormal, use a mouthpiece corrector to restore it to its proper shape. This tool is shaped like a thin T that has a pointed tip. This tool is used by inserting the center end into the mouthpiece hole. Tapping lightly with a rubber mallet (not a hammer for hitting nails!) will force the tip of the mouthpiece back into a rounded shape.
Step 3. Reinsert the mouthpiece into the instrument
Twist gently clockwise. When removing the mouthpiece, gently turn it counterclockwise. Do not rotate more than half of the rotation. Don't hit the mouthpiece to force it in either.
Over time, the mouthpiece will form a groove because it is installed by twisting it so it is no longer easy to get caught
Step 4. Keep the instrument in its proper place
Always remove the mouthpiece before placing it in its case. Do not put other items in the musical instrument case so that it does not close properly.
Step 5. Clean the mouthpiece regularly
Keeping the mouthpiece clean will help it fit on the instrument smoothly and well. Clean carefully with warm water and mild soap. After that, dry with a soft cloth. Do not forget to lightly lubricate the end where the mouthpiece is inserted regularly with key oil.
Step 6. Make sure you don't drop the instrument
If the instrument falls on a hard surface such as tile or concrete, the mouthpiece may be dented and damaged. Immediately check the instrument if it falls, to make sure it is still in good shape. If there are dents, use a fixing tool to restore the shape of the mouthpiece tip.
