Synthetic vs Traditional oils

Brian Denmark

15 Apr 2026 — 1 min read

When it comes to valve and slide oils for brass instruments, synthetic and traditional options each have their perks. Synthetic oils offer longer-lasting lubrication and resist gumming, making them ideal for high-performance players and those that don't like the traditional petroleum based oil smell. On the other hand, traditional oils tend to be cost-effective and widely compatible, providing a reliable choice for everyday maintenance. I generally recommend trying synthetic oils for their superior longevity, but ultimately, the best choice depends on your playing style and needs.

If you are interested in trying a synthetic oil, my personal favorite is Hetman's oil. They offer a wide variety of oils in different viscosities for any situation. They also have slide oils (and greases) that are simply the best I've found.

http://www.hetman.com/products.html

Let me know if you are interested in purchasing or have questions about which of their products might be best for you, but for a valved instrument, you can't go wrong with Hetman #2 oil for valves, #4 light slide oil for 1st & 3rd slides, and #7 slide grease for tuning slides!

Fixing Dents in Brass Instruments

Removing dents is fun, until it's not Removing dents is one of my favorite parts of instrument repair. No one likes seeing any dents on their horn, so it's incredibly satisfying to restore an instrument to its former glory. However, like many things, this task can

Why Professional Cleaning?

Does my instrument really need a professional cleaning? At Renegade Instrument Repair, we firmly believe that having your brass instruments professionally cleaned at least once a year is essential for preserving their sound quality, playability, and overall longevity. With regular use, dirt, grime, and residue naturally accumulate over time, affecting

3D Printed Valve "Felts"

Perfect valve alignment and extended life over felt/cork I recently began experimenting with 3D printing valve cap and valve stem felts after having difficulty finding the right size for an older trumpet I was working on for a client. After much experimentation with different 3D printing filaments, I'

Coming soon

This is The Renegade Blog, a brand new site by Brian Denmark that's just getting started. Things will be up and running here shortly, but you can subscribe in the meantime if you'd like to stay up to date and receive emails when new content is

Read more

Fixing Dents in Brass Instruments

Why Professional Cleaning?

3D Printed Valve "Felts"

Coming soon