Customer Reviews

Herco HE185 Herco Jar Of 18 Sm Spitballs

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was a little skeptical to use these "spitballs" in my horn. I was sure that they would get stuck some place that I wouldn't be able to get to very easily. No spitballs got stuck! Actually, it was fun to blow the sponges through the horn. They went through with ease. And, it did get some "gunk" out of the horn.

The only thing I didn't care for was the fact that they were a little messy to put into the lead pipe of the horn. Other than that, I think I'll continue to use these fun little sponges.

I would have given it one star, but i gave it two because it does do some cleaning.
I was really scared because I didn't know if they would get stuck or what. But after reading some reviews, I decided to take a chance. That was the mistake.
My trumpet was really dirty, so when i got these, i followed the directions, and one of the "spitballs" got stuck in the horn. It took me about 5 minutes to take all the slides off and everything, but I finally did find it.
I was stupid enough to try it again, because i thought it was just that one spitball that didn't work. again, it got stuck somewhere in my horn. it says it works for small bore trombones, trumpets, cornets, and french horns. I didn't dare to try it on my french horn.

So the next day, I asked my band teacher about these spitballs, and she said not to use them. I guess I wasted time and money (shipping costed more than item)

i guess the only upside is that it cleans your horn, but only a bit.
i really wouldn't recommend these. just buy one of those snakes.

I use these for my trombone. My other trombonist partner bought some and gave me half of them. Recently I seen them at a local music store and bought some to use (and give half of them back to my partner for her kind generosity of her spitballs).

They are great for cleaning the insides of your instrument. I can't stress this enough: Use a pencil or rod to push the spitball an inch or 2 into your instrument before blowing. If you just stick it in and blow you might notice it's impossible.

The reason why is because the mouthpiece is meant to be slid in and locked into place inside the narrow tube. The tube tightens to grip the mouthpiece an inch inwards. Past the tight mouth piece tubing the valves/tubes get wider. They are plenty wide enough to let a sponge squeeze by. All you have to do is blow.

When you insert and blow the sponge through your valves it scrubs the inner tubes removing dirt with it's cleaning liquid; and the sponge soaks the dirt up. After blowing the sponge sucessfully, it will literally shoot out your horn's bell! You may notice the sponge got larger. It's because the sponge was compressed inside and was releasing the liquids. When the sponge is shot back out the bell it expands because it is no longer wet and crammed in a tight tube.

Don't worry about it expanding in your horn, it can't. The sponge is very easy to blow out. If you're struggling blowing it, check the sponge. You may need to push it further in the horn. After you push it in further and it's still stuck use a rod to remove it and check for a smaller size. These are meant for Trombones, Baritones, and trumpets. I wouldn't put them in anything smaller.
Good luck!

Hey everyone, its your band buddy vamp again. I don't recommend this product because the spitballs get stuck in the trumpet/brass instrument. I don't know if anyone has ever taken a trumpet completely apart to get one of these out, well other than me of course, but it is darn near impossible to "snake" these out once they are stuck. I had to run the valves under the bath tap (at full pressure) to get the darn ball unstuck. When the spitball gets wet, it expands...yea. So just use a snake rag and call it a day.

I received the product a couple of days before it was supposed to (amazon has great shipping) and i just tried out these "spitballs" They actually work! despite things i've heard about them, such as getting stuck or not fitting. my friend has these, and his trumpet is much different than mine. given that my trumpet is 40 years old. at first i thought the sponges would get stuck because of the small bore of my lead pipe, but the sponge can compress, so it worked. the liquid smells like cleaning alcohol, but I'm not sure what it exactly is.

Pros: Works with any trumpet or small bore horn
cleans some of the dirt
can be used as a spitball for fun

Cons: must be pushed further into the lead pipe with a pencil or similar item

bottom line, this is a fantastic product, and would recommend it to anyone.

I have used spitballs for at least 15 years on trumpets owned by myself and my students. I certainly do not use them as a substitue for a thorough cleaning, whether performed by myself or a repair shop. They work well for keeping the inside of the instrument free of any major junk or build-up, if used somewhat regularly.

If you do not have the valves pressed completely down, or if you do not put the spitball far enough down the leadpipe - it will get stuck. For only a few bucks, these are worth it for the minor cleaning they provide, and for the fun of blowing something out of your instrument!

These are very cool and fun to use. I have already had some of these which is why i got more. Work great.

This product cleans the inside a little and is great in between baths. I don't understand how people get these stuck in their instrument. I have used it in my trumpet several times and never gotten it stuck. I let my friend use one in his french horn and it got stuck. I told him to give me his horn and I pushed down the valves and blew and the thing flew out the end just as it should've if my friend had put some guts behind it. Moral is besure valves are completely down and give it a lot of air and it won't get stuck in anything.

One of those items that is a great use to keep your horn clean and well maintained. I use it regularly throughout my whole trumpet and not just the lead pipe. Helps get what a snake does not get. Micro Trumpet/Cornet Cleaning Snake

This is a waste of money. They didn't work on either of my trumpets, the 27 year old one or my 1 year old horn. The spitballs got stuck in both of them immediately. Also, they are a pain to get out. Don't waste you're money!!!