9 Recommended Greases for Brass Instruments

Hello everyone! This is Makino from the Wind Instrument Team. For those of you who have just started playing a new instrument this semester, you might be getting the hang of it by now. Today, I’ll introduce some recommended greases for brass instruments from popular brands.

① Yamaha

This is the classic of all classics, Yamaha slide grease. Anyone who has played brass instruments has likely used it at least once. It is very easy to apply and allows for smooth operation of the slides. Additionally, it helps maintain airtightness in the slides, preventing rust and wear.

SG4

With standard viscosity, it can be used for a wide range of instruments from trumpets to tubas. It also comes in a stick type, allowing for application without getting your hands dirty.

Yamaha / SG4 Slide Grease

Yamaha / SGK4 Slide Grease Stick

SGUH4 Ultra Hard

This grease has a much higher viscosity than the SG4. It can be used on instruments where the gap between the inner and outer tubes has widened due to long-term use, maintaining airtightness. It is also effective in preventing the drop-off of slides that have become loose.

Yamaha / SGUH4 Slide Grease Ultra Hard

② Vincent Bach

Used by professional players and repair technicians, Bach’s grease is often referred to as ‘red jam’ due to its distinctive red appearance. Unlike most solid greases, this is a liquid grease. Solid greases can change viscosity with temperature and humidity, but this liquid type grease has less of such changes. It can also be used on the cork parts of woodwind instruments, making it a versatile grease. Give it a try!

Vincent Bach / 2942B Tuning Slide Grease

③ UltraPure

This grease is made with the same concept as valve oil. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, safe, smooth, and long-lasting. It comes in three viscosities to suit various instruments.

Light

Low viscosity grease, perfect for triggers on trumpets and other instruments.

UltraPure / Tuning Slide Grease Light

Regular

Standard viscosity grease. It can be used on the tuning slides of all brass instruments.

UltraPure / Tuning Slide Grease Regular

Heavy

High viscosity grease. It is ideal for instruments that have become worn and loose.

UltraPure / Tuning Slide Grease Heavy

④ Monster Oil

Monster Oil grease is popular worldwide. It is a transparent grease with a slightly firm texture. Despite being firm, it blends well with the slides, making it easy to use.

Monster Oil / Slide Grease

⑤ La-Tromba

A Swiss brand specializing in oils and greases for wind instruments. It is known for its smooth action, and is favored by professional players and repair technicians. The fine particles blend well, ensuring smooth movement. It can be used not only on slides but also on the cork joints of woodwind instruments.

La-Tromba / AG Slide and Cork Grease 15g