Quote:
Originally Posted by chryxz  I recently have been experiencing valve problems (sticking) with my horn beyond what I consider to be normal. I'm in college so I showed my horn to my professor at my lesson. She told me that the valves had worn down and were moving a little horizontally. This explains why they are sticking. She played it and told me something I wasn't aware of. My horn is leaking air. Now, I have never noticed this, but it makes sense that I wouldn't notice or know what it feels like since I've played on this horn for the past seven years or so.
She told me I need to get my valves replated (this was confirmed by the repair shop at our school), and also check for leaks. Valve replating looks pretty costly, and I can only imagine what fixing a leak would cost. She also said that I might just be better of getting a new one. The thing is, I don't have much money. I know I need to have a horn to play. I'm going to have to use this horn for juries, but I definitely have to find a solution over break.
I know it's difficult to give advice over the internet, but is it worth repairing my horn? Or should I start shopping?
In case it matters, I play a standard Bach 37 ml that I bought 7 years ago.
Thanks,
Chris |
I would be a little reluctant to believe a 7 year old bach has leaky valves. Valve tolerance standards of today are much higher than they were 30 some years ago. Unless your professor is a skilled technician, I would consult with a SKILLED technician before anything else.
You can try heavier oils as some people have suggested, but make sure eveyrthing is extremely clean before you do. If there is dirt, coffee, and food particles floating aroudn the oil wont help much. There are lots of things I would do, but I can only assume yo udo not have al of the tools I do.
ONLY TRY THIS IF YOU ARE CONFIDENT IN YOUR MECHANICAL ABILITIES. I DO THIS SORT OF THING ON BACH STRADS EVERYDAY
They make these trumpet swab sticks that are about 4 or 5 inches long. It has a ring at one end and an eye (like a flute swab stick) at the other. If you cant find one, get one of those flute sticks. Bare in mind THIS IS A METAL OBJECT, so use common sense and be very very careful. Wrap a cloth tightly around the stick so that it fits snugly in your valve casing and no metal is showing. We are looking for friction and a little bit of heat here. Swab those casings until you stop getting black on your cloth. This could take quite sometime. Once you have completed this process, try your valves in the casings dry. If they feel the way they should dry, try them with some oil. If this does not solve the problem, take it to a competent technician. If there is not a competent tech in your area, I would be happy to look at it for you.
Again, if you dont feel confident in yourself to do this, take it to a shop and dont ruin your horn. I see 30 some year olf Bach strads on a regular basis that dont need valves rebuilt. If you are the first and only owner I would say it is highly unlikely this trumpet needs a refit... stranger thigns have happened though.
If there is no tech in your area, there are a few more tricks up my sleeve, so if what I have said doesnt work let me know. We will get you through those juries.
DQ