Having trouble finding Hetman? Our repair technicians have switched over to JM Lubricants.

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Houghton Horns is pleased to feature Hetman Lubricants, a wide range of application-specific products for the discriminating musician. Hetman lubricants are non-toxic and compatible with conventional petroleum-based oils. 

As a technician, the Hetman products give me ease of application and so many choices: such a wide array to get the exact viscosity needed on any given part.

-- Dennis Houghton, co-owner and master repair technician

What Hetman Do I Need? -- article

Hetman Guide -- Hetman's official guide to applying oil

How Do I Oil My French Horn? -- article

The manufacturer's description of each type of oil, quoted from their website: 

PISTON VALVE LUBRICANTS

Hetman® Synthetic Piston Lubricants provide superior wear and corrosion protection for all types of piston valves. Whether your instrument has Monel, stainless steel, or nickel-plated pistons, these long-lasting, non-gumming lubricants will provide for an action that is smooth, quick and consistent. Three nontoxic viscosity grades are available in 60 ml controlled dropper tip bottles:

1. LIGHT PISTON - Specifically formulated for close tolerance piston valves. PN: H1-LP-60.

2. PISTON - Designed for instruments with piston valves having average clearance. PN: H2-P-60.

3. CLASSIC PISTON - Synthetic protection for your classic instrument. Specially formulated oil helps to seal piston valves that exhibit greater than average clearance. Helps prevent valves from sticking. PN: H3-CP-60.

SLIDE LUBRICANTS (OIL)

Hetman® Synthetic Slide Oils are formulated for first and third valve slides (trumpets, cornets, etc.). These lubricants are designed to maintain an airtight seal and smooth slide action when making intonation adjustments. The proper choice of viscosity grade depends on the fit and length of your slides. Generally speaking, lighter viscosities are needed for tighter fitting and longer length slides, whereas heavier viscosities are required for looser fitting and shorter length slides. One should choose the heaviest viscosity that still allows rapid slide movement. Packaged in 22 ml bottles with special dropper tip applicator. Available in three nontoxic, non-gumming, long-lasting viscosity grades:

4. LIGHT SLIDE OIL - Formulated for tighter fitting valve slides and valve slides of longer length. PN: H4-LSO-22.

5. SLIDE OIL - Original formula (Tuning Slide Oil). Medium viscosity for most first and third valve slides. PN: H5-SO-22.

6. HEAVY SLIDE OIL - Designed for looser fitting valve slides and valve slides of shorter length. PN: H6-HSO-22.

SLIDE LUBRICANTS (GREASE)

Hetman® Slide Grease Lubricants are designed for tuning slides and valve slides that are normally maintained in position once adjusted. The choice of three unique, nontoxic products allows for smooth, air-tight performance of both tight and loose fitting slides:

7. SLIDE-GEL™ - This special tuning slide lubricant provides long-lasting seal and firm slide motion. A premium, hi-viscosity product that will not bunch-up in the ends of slide tubes. Adhesive formulation protects slides against corrosion and wear. Packaged in 22 ml bottles with special dropper tip applicator. See USG No. 9 for additional application. PN: H7-SGL-22.

WARNING: Brass instruments and their accessories can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, and Nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to:

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Most new instruments and accessories over $25 are eligible for free shipping to the continental US.

Sheet music, tubas, and pre-owned instruments are excluded from free shipping.

Click here for our full shipping policy.

Most products receive a 15-day return policy that starts on the day the customer receives their order. The customer is responsible for the cost of initial and return shipping, except in the case of new French horns, trumpets, and trombones, which will receive free return shipping from 48 US states. There will be a $5 cleaning fee for each returned mouthpiece.

Some product categories are ineligible for return, which include special orders, sheet music, consumables such as lubricants or cleaning snakes, and personal items such as clothing or face masks.

For non-US customers, shipping, taxes, duties, and customs fees are non-refundable.

See the policy links at the bottom of our website for more information.

Click here to request a return.

Any product labelled "Special Order" is a final sale, no refunds or exchanges. Likewise, any product that has been customized at the customer's request can no longer be returned.

Click here for more information on special orders. If you want it, we will try our best to get it to you!