Does Polishing a Bell with Brasso

[Kobe100]

Hi everyone,
I’d like to ask your thoughts or experiences on this:
• Does polishing a trombone bell with Brasso have any noticeable effect on the sound?
• And how often is it recommended to polish the bell (if at all)?

I’ve heard mixed opinions—some say it only affects the look, while others suggest it might subtly impact resonance. Would love to hear your insight!

[brassmedic]

It's not gonna do much. The folks who say, "Oh noes, it's abrasive!" have no idea what they're talking about. The amount of metal it's removing is microscopic. The real question is, why do you want to polish it? Just let it develop a patina. Looks good, and you don't have to waste a bunch of time polishing it.

[Driswood]

It's not gonna do much. The folks who say, "Oh noes, it's abrasive!" have no idea what they're talking about. The amount of metal it's removing is microscopic. The real question is, why do you want to polish it? Just let it develop a patina. Looks good, and you don't have to waste a bunch of time polishing it.

I agree!
My only problem with Brasso is it’s petroleum based. Wright’s is water based and removes easily. Also doesn’t smell as bad.

[ghmerrill]

As I recall, when I was an undergraduate the guys in Army ROTC used to "polish" their brass uniform buttons with dilute sulfuric acid. The result was pretty stunning -- and it's non-petroleum! I've also seen it recommended to polish antique brass sword guards with vinegar, or a combination of vinegar and salt (sodium chloride). That works too and is nicely "organic" and "non-petroleum", but not quite as effective as the sulfuric acid.

But as with some others here, I prefer lacquered brass instruments, or bare brass with maybe a periodic wax (or similar) coating. Some people think highly of Renaissance Wax Polish.

I simply can't stand polishing instruments or the time it consumes (though I've made exceptions for flutes). Silver tubas are the worst!

[Posaunus]

Don't do it!

Many decades ago (as a Junior High School student), I "polished" the bell of my near-new Olds Ambassador with Brasso (or some sort of brass polish - it's been a long time). It ruined / removed the lacquer. My once-shiny trombone never looked as nice after that!

[brassmedic]

It's not gonna do much. The folks who say, "Oh noes, it's abrasive!" have no idea what they're talking about. The amount of metal it's removing is microscopic. The real question is, why do you want to polish it? Just let it develop a patina. Looks good, and you don't have to waste a bunch of time polishing it.

I agree!
My only problem with Brasso is it’s petroleum based. Wright’s is water based and removes easily. Also doesn’t smell as bad.

Wright's is fine.

[brassmedic]

Don't do it!

Many decades ago (as a Junior High School student), I "polished" the bell of my near-new Olds Ambassador with Brasso (or some sort of brass polish - it's been a long time). It ruined / removed the lacquer. My once-shiny trombone never looked as nice after that!

Oh, my! Yeah, you definitely don't want to polish lacquer with brass polish. I hope the OP is talking about an unlacquered bell.

[Kobe100]

Thanks for all suggestions.

[WGWTR180]

Thanks for all suggestions.

Your bell is un-lacquered correct?

[Kobe100]

Thanks for all suggestions.

Your bell is un-lacquered correct?

Yes, it is.

[walldaja]

I can recommend not using Comet cleanser.

[harrisonreed]

Hi everyone,
I’d like to ask your thoughts or experiences on this:
• Does polishing a trombone bell with Brasso have any noticeable effect on the sound?
• And how often is it recommended to polish the bell (if at all)?

I’ve heard mixed opinions—some say it only affects the look, while others suggest it might subtly impact resonance. Would love to hear your insight!

Yeah, if you polish a lacquered bell with brasso it will affect the sound.

If you polish a raw bell with brasso it will just waste your time.