TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - I'm having some trouble with my valves...

rowuk · 11-05-2007, 01:29 AM

37,
try switching to a synthetic oil.
The fact that a professional cleaning gave you 2 weeks of peace shows that the horn is probably mechanically sound.

Petroleum based oils lubricate about 15-17 hours, then the "lubricating agent" has evaporated. The reason the valves keep moving is that the inside of the horn is still "moist". Water is NOT a good lubricant AND even prevents the oil from bonding to the metal when reapplied.

My recommendation: Clean and dry the valves and casing. Wait until both are "bone dry" (important because oil floats on top of water preventing optimal "lubrication") and then lightly apply a synthetic oil to the entire surface (you can spread it around with your finger). Synthetic oils to not evaporate like petroleum based ones, so you should be able to go much longer between oiling.
I do not endorse any brand of valve oil, but my Monette trumpet came with Ultra-Pure, who also support TM. It just plain works - I have had no need to research other brands! Up to a week without needing to reoil!

11-05-2007, 01:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 4,374	Re: I'm having some trouble with my valves... 37, try switching to a synthetic oil. The fact that a professional cleaning gave you 2 weeks of peace shows that the horn is probably mechanically sound. Petroleum based oils lubricate about 15-17 hours, then the "lubricating agent" has evaporated. The reason the valves keep moving is that the inside of the horn is still "moist". Water is NOT a good lubricant AND even prevents the oil from bonding to the metal when reapplied. My recommendation: Clean and dry the valves and casing. Wait until both are "bone dry" (important because oil floats on top of water preventing optimal "lubrication") and then lightly apply a synthetic oil to the entire surface (you can spread it around with your finger). Synthetic oils to not evaporate like petroleum based ones, so you should be able to go much longer between oiling. I do not endorse any brand of valve oil, but my Monette trumpet came with Ultra-Pure, who also support TM. It just plain works - I have had no need to research other brands! Up to a week without needing to reoil! __________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.