ACB Ultrasonic Cleaning service

Austin Custom Brass Ultrasonic Cleaning Service

The power of Ultrasonic technology can safely clean your instrument with no harmful chemicals! If it's been over a year since you had your horn professionally cleaned, it's probably about time.  

Check out this video of the Ultrasonic Power Cleaner (the same ones we use in the shop!) working on a trumpet.

How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works

Ultrasonic cleaning is the state of the art in instrument cleaning technology. This process is dependent upon the rapid formation and violent collapse of minute bubbles in a cleaning solution, a process called cavitation. Cavitation is produced by introducing high frequency (ultrasonic), high intensity sound waves into a liquid. The expansion wave causes a reaction so dramatic that molecules are ripped apart, creating the microscopic bubbles. The bubbles contain a partial vacuum while they exist and as the pressure around the bubbles becomes greater the fluid around each bubble rushes in, collapsing it very rapidly. When the bubbles collapse, a jet of liquid is created that travels at an extremely high rate. An associated rise in temperature as high as 5000 degrees C occurs. This extreme temperature, combined with the liquid jet's velocity provides a very intense cleaning action in a very concentrated area. This extreme agitation by countless small and intense imploding bubbles creates a highly effective scrubbing action of both exposed and hidden surfaces immersed in the cleaning solution. The result is an instrument thoroughly cleaned by high frequency sounds waves instead of the caustic chemicals commonly used in traditional Chem Cleans. This process is highly effective at removing calcium deposits and corrosion while preserving the quality of your instrument. Once you've tried it you'll never go back to conventional cleanings again. Every horn that comes in to the shop is in a different condition. With a Playing Condition or P.C. the horn is repaired with the minimum amount of work needed to have the horn play well. Prices vary depending on the work needed. We include a Precision Valve Alignment or PVA the valves ports on the casing and the ports on the valves are matched through vertical and horizontal adjustments. Valves are adjusted through various measurements and play tests to make sure that they are fit and aligned correctly.

Send us an email or call us at (816) 410-0826 to schedule an appointment! Usually a typical ultrasonic cleaning will take 2 hours or less, and is a perfect opportunity to browse the shop. Ask about special multiple horn cleaning discounts!

Chemical Cleanings at ACB

Due to the science of ultrasonic cleanings, they should never be performed on an instrument with red rot or one with gold plate. We therefore also offer a traditional chemical cleaning service as well. This is a slightly longer process (several hours) due to the soaking time required so we do recommend contacting us prior to bringing in your instrument, especially if it's your primary horn. Send us an email or call us at (816) 410-0826 to schedule an appointment or for more information about the turnaround time!

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