What type, if any, valve guard would you all recommend? Also, when cleaning trumpet is it advisable to use Brasso to polish the non-finished ends of slides that go into the trumpet? Thanks.

I wouldn't use Brasso on the slides. It makes the unfinished part look nice for a while but it quickly tarnishes again. Also there's a danger of any Brasso not removed being washed into the valves where it may cause wear. Have a look at various players in action and you'll see that many of them don't bother too much with the instrument's appearance. What counts is how it plays. Have you considered having the slides gold plated? It doesn't cost as much as you might expect. I saw an advert by a man who comes to your pad and plates anything you give him. He wanted £25 to plate a tenor sax after I'd taken it to pieces. After plating you have to polish the shine into it.

I Goddard's Silver polish. Much less abrasive, better shine.

How long does the shine last?