Silk swabs?

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Lmnopeas
Posts: 5
Joined: Dec 29, 2023

by Lmnopeas »

I've been looking into getting a silk swab. What are the benefits of using a silk swab, and what brands make them for trombone?
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tbonesullivan
Posts: 1959
Joined: Jul 02, 2019

by tbonesullivan »

Trombones are not nearly as delicate as woodwinds, so silk swabs really aren't appropriate. They would probably get ripped apart.

Brass Saver brushes are probably the best equivalent for a trombone.
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TomWest
Posts: 73
Joined: Apr 04, 2023

by TomWest »

I use an alto sax silk swab on the bell section. I take it apart and run the swab through all three parts.

I wash the whole instrument with soap and water once every week. Then lube everything. I bought the swab at a saxophone repair shop in San Francisco.
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Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

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Kbiggs
Posts: 1768
Joined: Mar 24, 2018

by Kbiggs »

Yamaha makes a swab with a microfiber cloth. The string is about 3’ and the swab is about 3’ so you can use it in the outer slide. Product # is YAC BSTB2

Like tbonesullivan said, Brass Saver makes a swab, too. I’ve used both. I prefer the Yamaha, but the Brass Saver is probably more convenient. Both work well. Both are available at Dillon Music.