Brushes, Snakes & Cleaning Rods

When we think of the brass instrument ownership experience, the first things that come to mind are rehearsals, performances and music theory. But there's something else that's equally important, and that's cleaning. Getting the best sound out of your instrument - not to mention preserving its appearance and resale value - depends on having the supplies and know-how needed to keep it in great shape. Thankfully, those supplies are easy to find here in this selection of brushes, snakes and cleaning rods. Made especially for cleaning brass instruments, they make routine care a breeze, so you can get your horn all spruced up in the blink of an eye.

The right brushes, snakes and cleaning rods for your instrument will naturally depend on what instrument that is. Yamaha's trombone snake, for instance, is a lot bigger than their trumpet snake - each one is designed to fit its respective instrument. They're both top sellers, of course, as are the Denis Wick Flexible Trombone Euphonium Snake Brush and the H.W. Brass-Saver Cleaning Brushes. Don't forget your mouthpiece as well! With a specialty brush like the Protec Protector Trumpet Mouthpiece Brush, you can keep it squeaky clean.

Want to give your instrument the most thorough cleaning possible? In that case, be sure not to miss Herco's Spitballs. Don't be put off by the name - they're not THAT kind of spitball. In fact, they're actually pieces of foam specially treated with a cleaning solution. You can blow them right through the instrument's tubing, which allows them to clean it from end to end, beyond the reach of even the bendiest snake. For trumpets, cornets, French horns and small-bore trombones, go for the Trumpet Spitballs. For tenor trombones and baritone horns, the Large Bore Spitballs are the size you need.

A good, well-rounded cleaning kit contains a wide assortment of tools and supplies, so don't feel pressured to settle for just one or two of the brushes, snakes and cleaning rods in this section. You can pick up as many different styles as you want to make sure you'll always have the right tool for the job. The most important thing is that your instrument gets clean, because that will help it last longer and sound better - which is well worth the investment in cleaning supplies.