The "best" slide oil/cream

[ParkerBasstrombone]

what's the "best" slide oil or cream, I just want to hear everyone's opinion.

-Parker

[BGuttman]

You'll probably see a lot of love for the Yamaha Slide "Oil". Works great with tight tolerance slides. Not as good with older slides.

Others will show preference for Trombotine. It seems to work best on older and "looser" slides.

I use a generic version of Pond's Cold Cream (seems to be a good copy of the old stuff). I picked up an 8 ounce jar of it 15 years ago and it's still working.

[LetItSlide]

The Yamaha stuff is great. Nowadays I mix a little into the water in my spray bottle, instead of applying it directly to the slide and spraying on water afterwards.

[Burgerbob]

yamasnot. Next question

[BrassSection]

yamasnot. Next question

Ditto. Note: Took about 3 weeks of use before I got the best results. That’s about an hour of playing a week.

[toxdoc42]

the Yamaha used to come in a bottle with an applicator on the end, it was amazing, now they no longer sell it that way. Luckily I did not through it away, and I now refill it from the bottle sold. I dislike the petroleum based products, I am a clinical toxicologist and don't like the idea of anyone using that product. I just bought another brand to try.

[Posaunus]

the Yamaha used to come in a bottle with an applicator on the end, it was amazing, now they no longer sell it that way. Luckily I did not through it away, and I now refill it from the bottle sold. I dislike the petroleum based products, I am a clinical toxicologist and don't like the idea of anyone using that product. I just bought another brand to try.

I'm confused.

• You apparently liked the Yamaha slide lube bottle-tip foam applicator, and miss it so much that you refill your old applicator-tipped bottle with new Yamaha slide lube.

• But you dislike the product because it may be toxic?

Am I misinterpreting your post?

I learned the hard way that the old Yamaha foam applicators will eventually break down, depositing small foam particles between the inner and outer slides, "gumming up the works" to the severe detriment of good slide action. Took a few thorough slide cleaning sessions to resolve. I choose to avoid the foam tip.

I much prefer the new Yamaha nipple-tip bottle, which allows me to dispense only a small amount of lubricant (a few drops on the stocking and a few drops on the proximal end of the slide, worked in by simply rotating and translating each slide for a few seconds to distribute; then I'm ready to go; no water spray required). Works equally well with Slide-O-Mix Rapid Comfort.

[sirisobhakya]

the Yamaha used to come in a bottle with an applicator on the end, it was amazing, now they no longer sell it that way. Luckily I did not through it away, and I now refill it from the bottle sold. I dislike the petroleum based products, I am a clinical toxicologist and don't like the idea of anyone using that product. I just bought another brand to try.

I'm confused.

• You apparently liked the Yamaha slide lube bottle-tip foam applicator, and miss it so much that you refill your old applicator-tipped bottle with new Yamaha slide lube.

• But you dislike the product because it may be toxic?

Am I misinterpreting your post?

I learned the hard way that the old Yamaha foam applicators will eventually break down, depositing small foam particles between the inner and outer slides, "gumming up the works" to the severe detriment of good slide action. Took a few thorough slide cleaning sessions to resolve. I choose to avoid the foam tip.

I much prefer the new Yamaha nipple-tip bottle, which allows me to dispense only a small amount of lubricant (a few drops on the stocking and a few drops on the proximal end of the slide, worked in by simply rotating and translating each slide for a few seconds to distribute; then I'm ready to go; no water spray required). Works equally well with Slide-O-Mix Rapid Comfort.

As far as I know the Yamaha is silicon-based, not petroleum.

I think…

[BGuttman]

The only petroleum based lubes I've seen are the various slide oils (Holton "Electric", most valve oils, and the generic oil often supplied with new student horns). Most creams are variants of the cold cream formula dating back to 1849 and are mixes of different surfactants and waxes. Slide-O-Mix and Reka are silicone based. Yamaha and UltraPure are somewhat different but not petroleum based.

There was somebody here who used lamp oil, but I found that not to work very well.

[LetItSlide]

Somewhere I read that the Yamaha stuff is "silicone and soap."

Petroleum-based anything seems to really slow down a trombone handslide.

[muschem]

Somewhere I read that the Yamaha stuff is "silicone and soap.

Basically, yes. Here’s the MSDS from Yamaha:
https://usa.yamaha.com/files/YAC1021P_T ... dbb8eb.pdf

Composition includes:
Silicone oil
Ethylene glycol
Fatty acid salts
Surfactants
Anti-corrosive Agent
Water

Surfactants are typically some form of detergent/soap.

[toxdoc42]

I'm confused.

• You apparently liked the Yamaha slide lube bottle-tip foam applicator, and miss it so much that you refill your old applicator-tipped bottle with new Yamaha slide lube.

• But you dislike the product because it may be toxic?

Am I misinterpreting your post?

I learned the hard way that the old Yamaha foam applicators will eventually break down, depositing small foam particles between the inner and outer slides, "gumming up the works" to the severe detriment of good slide action. Took a few thorough slide cleaning sessions to resolve. I choose to avoid the foam tip.

I much prefer the new Yamaha nipple-tip bottle, which allows me to dispense only a small amount of lubricant (a few drops on the stocking and a few drops on the proximal end of the slide, worked in by simply rotating and translating each slide for a few seconds to distribute; then I'm ready to go; no water spray required). Works equally well with Slide-O-Mix Rapid Comfort.

As far as I know the Yamaha is silicon-based, not petroleum.

I think…

Sorry if i confused you, i prefer the Yamaha silicone lubricant to the petroleum based one. I didn't like the smell of the petroleum based one. It was the latter that i am also worried about toxicity with prolonged exposure.

[Matt K]

Fixed your formatting (you had mixed up the quotes).

[Kbiggs]

Trombotine, Yamasnot, UltraPure (original and Alessi formula). They all work well for me. I prefer the UltraPure Alessi. It’s thick enough for my older Bach slides, and I rarely need to use water on them. Trombotine is great for lubrication and cleaning: little dab on the end of the cloth wound ‘round a cleaning rod works well.

[sambone]

I like Slide O Mix, just a couple drops from each bottle and then like two sprays from a spray bottle. I have to reapply about every other session but those bottles still last me about half of a year.

[Paultromboneplayer]

This thread answered a question I was going to post. Seems like the Yamaha is still a popular choice.

[Toto]

I used Slide O Mix 30 years ago as the one and only. But it has a problem during summer time with hot temperature when 1 of the 2 lubricants evaporates.
Since last 10-15 years, I came back to the small piece of cream (Conn or Tromboline) and 1 component lubricant Reka or SlideOMix (black, 1-component). Then on daily base only clear water.

Question: does anybody know about the 2 types of Conn cream: standard seems to be white, but together with my Conn 88H, I also got a cream, which is more yellow coloured.

[UrbanaDave]

Somewhere I read that the Yamaha stuff is "silicone and soap.

Basically, yes. Here’s the MSDS from Yamaha:
https://usa.yamaha.com/files/YAC1021P_T ... dbb8eb.pdf

Composition includes:
Silicone oil
Ethylene glycol
Fatty acid salts
Surfactants
Anti-corrosive Agent
Water

Surfactants are typically some form of detergent/soap.

Very interesting. Anybody got such information for Slide O Mix and the other similar products?

[muschem]

Basically, yes. Here’s the MSDS from Yamaha:
https://usa.yamaha.com/files/YAC1021P_T ... dbb8eb.pdf

Composition includes:
Silicone oil
Ethylene glycol
Fatty acid salts
Surfactants
Anti-corrosive Agent
Water

Surfactants are typically some form of detergent/soap.

Very interesting. Anybody got such information for Slide O Mix and the other similar products?

Ran across this one for the classic set:

Slide-O-Mix_SLIDE-10ml_SDB_EN.pdf

[UrbanaDave]

Basically, yes. Here’s the MSDS from Yamaha:
https://usa.yamaha.com/files/YAC1021P_T ... dbb8eb.pdf

Composition includes:
Silicone oil
Ethylene glycol
Fatty acid salts
Surfactants
Anti-corrosive Agent
Water

Surfactants are typically some form of detergent/soap.

Very interesting. Anybody got such information for Slide O Mix and the other similar products?

Does the presence of Ethylene glycol concern anyone?

[BGuttman]

Does the presence of Ethylene glycol concern anyone?

Only if you are going to eat it. Not much of an inhalation hazard.

[UrbanaDave]

Does the presence of Ethylene glycol concern anyone?

Only if you are going to eat it. Not much of an inhalation hazard.

I guess it’s the “not much” part I wonder about for the youngsters in particular

[Posaunus]

Does the presence of Ethylene glycol concern anyone?

Only if you are going to eat it. Not much of an inhalation hazard.

I guess it’s the “not much” part I wonder about for the youngsters in particular

One's exposure to ethylene glycol (a minor component) from use of a slide lubricant surely presents a negligible risk.
You'd have to ingest (drink!) a lot of lubricant to do any harm, no matter what your age.
It's not like chugging antifreeze.

[UrbanaDave]

Does the presence of Ethylene glycol concern anyone?

I guess it’s the “not much” part I wonder about for the youngsters in particular

One's exposure to ethylene glycol (a minor component) from use of a slide lubricant surely presents a negligible risk.
You'd have to ingest (drink!) a lot of lubricant to do any harm, no matter what your age.
It's not like chugging antifreeze.

Thanks! I guess I was thinking more about use over time. A young trombonist may now use a product containing ethylene glycol over many years. Those of us who started on Ponds cold creme and other evolutions didn’t spend years of potentially inhaling the stuff. Just curious. I suppose time will tell. Hopefully it’s totally safe.

[robcat2075]

what's the "best" slide oil or cream, I just want to hear everyone's opinion.

OK.

Several weeks ago i lost my thirty-year-old tube of Trombotine. I needed something immediately so I got a jar of Pond's® Cold Cream at the supermarket and applied it in the manner that I have been using Trombotine.

PondsColdCreamSM.jpg

WOW!

This is way better than the Trombotine and way better than the Super Slick that i've also dabbled with over the decades.

The slide is immediately freer at the outset with none of the slightly-stiff feel needing to be worked out that I got right after applying Trombotine.

It lasts!

I pick the horn off the stand the next day and it's ready to go with no spraying to get started. I do spray it, but it doesn't seem to be an absolute necessity. I've gone a week before re-applying it, but I didn't feel like it needed it yet at seven days. Trombotine always felt like it was wearing out by the third day.

I got out my old beginner band trombone and it's great on that too.

Why didn't I try this sooner?

Well, it seemed like a very junior high thing to do... surely the professional preparations must be better... people here are saying Pond's "isn't the same anymore"...

And... that tube of Trombotine wasn't nearly done with yet.

[Bach5G]

Ponds is back baby!

[Posaunus]

I still have half a jar of original Pond's Cold Cream from the late 1950's that I've been hoarding (only for sentimental reasons). Is it now obsolete?

I stopped using "creams" (including Pond's, Trombotine, SuperSlick) years ago - Yamaha slide lube or Slide-O-Mix Rapid Comfort work much better (on my pristine, well-maintained slides), with NO water spray. But I clean and re-lube more often than weekly. Lubricants are a negligible expense.

Keep 'em clean and dry, and that should work for you (if your slide is properly aligned to start with).

[Sesquitone]

PondsColdCreamSM.jpg


WOW!

This is way better than the Trombotine and way better than the Super Slick that i've also dabbled with over the decades.

The slide is immediately freer at the outset with none of the slightly-stiff feel needing to be worked out that I got right after applying Trombotine.

It lasts!

As is well known (by "old" players), Pond's Cold Cream was "THE" slide cream—not too much (plus a little sprayed water). [Nice scent, too.] Actually, put a little on and spread over the entire slide. Do not insert the slide, yet. Then wipe it completely off. [This cleans and "seasons" the slide.] Then put a tiny bit back on the stockings (evenly spread). Then a tiny bit of sprayed water, all over. The water is the (low-viscosity) lubricant, the cream holds it in place. Now re-insert. And, yes, it does last.

At some point, they started putting lanolin in the formula: way too "sticky". I noticed that there are now several different types of Pond's creams, some of which don't have lanolin (although there's lots of other "stuff"). Is it possible that you lucked out and hit upon a lanolin-free formula?

Pond's Cold Cream "Cleanser" does not list lanolin as an ingredient.

However, on a scrupulously clean slide (inside and out), I far prefer Reka (plus breath condensation).


.

[Jimkinkella]

Very thin application of trombotine, then Yamaha liquid.

Thanks Matt Walker for that info!

[robcat2075]

At some point, they started putting lanolin in the formula: way too "sticky". I noticed that there are now several different types of Pond's creams, some of which don't have lanolin (although there's lots of other "stuff"). Is it possible that you lucked out and hit upon a lanolin-free formula?

Pond's Cold Cream "Cleanser" does not list lanolin as an ingredient.

I made a point to show a picture of the actual bottle i purchased and yet there is still alarm and confusion at the mention of "Cold Cream"

I purchased "Pond's Cold Cream", subtitled "Make-up Remover", however nearly every version has some reference to make-up removal and/or cleansing on the packaging.

This is what I bought and had success with:

PondsColdCream2.jpg

It does not have lanolin in it. Ingredients

Mineral Oil, Water, Ceresin, Beeswax, Triethanolamine, Behenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteth-20, Fragrance, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

There are a variety of Pond's products with "Cold Cream" in the name. I can't speak for any of the variants other than the one i bought.

Of the 10 varieties, the two that don't mention removing make-up or cleansing on the packaging happen to contain lanolin...

"Pond's Honey Cold Cream" has lanolin.

"Pond's Moisturizing Cold Cream" has lanolin

[cubetrom]

On the Yamaha with a good and light slide I've been using REKA. The instructions say to draw a thin line down both inners but I've found better results are achieved by using a few drops on the stockings. It also works well without any water spray, however, I find a gentle misting does help it along.

As for the Bach... well, the slide is not as good and also wide/heavy. Slide-o-Mix frees it up for a little bit but wears off rather fast, so I've taken to using Superslick and distilled water. It's not as fast initially but seems to work better overall.

[nwoodsxx]

I have used Yamaha Slide Lubrocant (purple bottle) for years but lately, it seems to be very watery as if the cream has gummed up at the bottom of the bottle. I’ve tried shaking it up without luck. I even tried zapping it in the microwave for 15 seconds but that was disastrous.

Anybody else experiencing same? Remedies?

[Geordie]

I have used Yamaha Slide Lubrocant (purple bottle) for years but lately, it seems to be very watery as if the cream has gummed up at the bottom of the bottle. I’ve tried shaking it up without luck. I even tried zapping it in the microwave for 15 seconds but that was disastrous.

Anybody else experiencing same? Remedies?

During hot weather I’ve found storing it in a fridge helps maintain viscosity.

[hyperbolica]

When this question was originally asked, I would have said Rapid Comfort, but I'm a Yamaha convert now. It's still kind of inconsistent, and doesn't always come out of the bottle predictably, but it's the best tbone slide lube.

[WGWTR180]

When this question was originally asked, I would have said Rapid Comfort, but I'm a Yamaha convert now. It's still kind of inconsistent, and doesn't always come out of the bottle predictably, but it's the best tbone slide lube.

Agreed. Rapid Comfort has become wildly inconsistent from bottle to bottle.

[rmb796]

Super Slick.

[PJones]

I personally use slide o mix which I think works great. Just spray a little water periodically and you’re golden.

[Nomsis]

I had lots of small and big bottle slide o mix which I got from several retiring trombone players of which most of them in the meanwhile are not even living any more. So after my second bottle of purple yamaha (I just wanted to test out the new shit, worked fine but in the end less and the bottle disintegrated and stuff was everwhere in my case) I was thinking let's use the slide o mix up because not wasting anything is in my DNA. I had a very bad experience for quite a while, it was really sticky and did not work at all. At the peak of my frustration I opened up one bottle and what I could find was a very disintegrated fluid with white flakes. I opened up all of these bottles and all were the same. After that I switched again to yamahasnot, problems solved. I just was frustrated about the exorbitant price so after two bottles I was thinking let's try the rapid comfort slide o mix again, bought a fresh bottle. Works just the same as the yamahasnot for me, can't find any difference.
So long story short, either works but make sure it's not 20+ years old but rather fresh and kept always relatively close to room temperature. Temperature really hurts both of them.