It turns out that tuba maintenance is a balance of skill and understanding with a certain, carefully directed application of brute force. To deal with the stuck slides I noted on Thursday (after dealing with the stuck bottom caps on a couple of the valves), I used a version of the method described below although I’ve only just spotted the small print that lists it as suitable for all sorts of brass instruments except tubas!

Too late! It did work but, for anyone reading this with a potential application in mind, proceed at your own risk. I don’t have a heavy enough workbench so my method involved an old washing line post in the background as my immovable object. Instead of wicking, I used one of my ratchet straps, which has a soft, wide nylon belt. I had also taking the precaution of applying a bit of penetrating oil (3 in 1) to the joints I wanted to work on.

Carefully holding the tuba, I was able to get both slides out with a series of controlled but forceful tugs. I’ve now given both slides a thorough clean and polish, lubricated them well and reinserted them. I’ll probably try to move them about a bit most days this week and lubricate them again soon and hopefully the problem won’t recur.

Next up (soonish): giving the tuba a bath.