Silk swabs?

Post Reply
Lmnopeas
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2023 9:58 pm

Silk swabs?

Post 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?
tbonesullivan
Posts: 1616
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2019 9:06 am
Location: New Jersey
Contact:

Re: Silk swabs?

Post 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.
David S. - daveyboy37 from TTF
Bach 39, LT36B, 42BOF & 42T, King 2103 / 3b, Kanstul 1570CR & 1588CR, Yamaha YBL-612 RII, YBL-822G & YBL-830, Sterling 1056GHS Euphonium,
Livingston Symphony Orchestra NJ - Trombone
TomWest
Posts: 41
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2023 2:43 pm

Re: Silk swabs?

Post 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.
User avatar
Doug Elliott
Posts: 3418
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:12 pm
Location: Maryand

Re: Silk swabs?

Post by Doug Elliott »

"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
Kbiggs
Posts: 1292
Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2018 11:46 am
Location: Vancouver WA

Re: Silk swabs?

Post 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.
Kenneth Biggs
I have known a great many troubles, but most of them have never happened.
—Mark Twain (attributed)
Post Reply

Return to “Maintenance”