Hi Michael,
Yeah, the valves and slides on my horn are very tight, but slick. I did take the horn apart, degrease and clean it right away. I like to use Pro Oil Hybrid on my horns, and it is best to get any old oil out before using the stuff. But the horn is playing great. It is comforting to get a new horn that plays great right out of the box, with no adjusting or "tweaking" needed. Part of that of course is due to the craftsmanship of Tony Scodwell, who as we all know is an incredible player as well as horn manufacturer. He will not release a horn for sale until it has passed his stringent criteria.
Happy New Year, everyone! Here is to a prosperous and clam-free 2005.........
Mike