Brasses

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. The proportion of zinc varies, producing brasses from reddish yellow to pale gold. Common compositions are around 55% copper and 45% zinc, but ranges from 30% to 60% zinc are used for different properties. Brass is easy to work and has a distinctive luster; adding zinc strengthens the alloy and lowers its melting point. Small amounts of other elements may be added to improve machinability or mechanical properties.

In music, brasses or brass instruments form a family that includes the trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and related instruments such as the flugelhorn and sousaphone. These instruments produce sound by buzzing the player's lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece and shaping the vibrating air column within a tapered tube. Pitches are changed by valves or a slide and by varying air flow; timbres are bright and projecting. Most are made of brass, though other materials may be used for specific parts or constructions.

Beyond musical uses, brass is valued for decorative and mechanical applications because of its workability and corrosion resistance. It is common in fittings, fasteners, and architectural hardware, as well as in coins and other objects. Proper care—cleaning, polishing, and, for instruments, valve lubrication and moisture protection—helps maintain brass components and prevent tarnish.