The Brass Band Forum

A months ago I lent a tenor horn to my nephew to try with school lessons. He decided that he would rather play rugby and gave me the case back.

Unfortunately I didn't check the horn on its return and put it away as a house move was imminent.

Now that we have settled into the new house, I came across the case and decided to have a play. It was then that I discovered the little treasurer had inadvertently emptied a full bottle of valve oil into the case and over my horn.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to how I can get the smell and taste of oil off the horn?

The case is beyond saving and has gone. Ive tried soaking the horn in warm water with some washing up liquid mixed in, hoping that it might "lift" the oil off, and have changed all the felts and springs whilst I was at it.

After three attempts, over the course of three nights, its better but still smells.

Any other suggestions gratefully received.

After 10 days & nights of soaking and rinsing, the smell has gone.

He wont be borrowing that again.

On the positive side my hands are lovely and soft

the only thing I can suggest is to soak it in the bath in some Fairy washing up liquid for a while