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rowuk · 01-17-2008, 05:34 AM

Sticky slow valves can come from a variety of sources:
dirt
wrong oil
mechanical damage

Dirt/wrong oil is easy, disassemble the trumpet and give everything except the valves a bath. The valves are cleaned by hand to keep the felt washers from becoming wet. After bathing, wipe the valve and casing down and let it dry thoroughly. This is important as oil floats on water and oiling wet valves means no oil contact to the metal and no protection.

Depending on your desert, the sand can be a problem. In the middle east the sand is almost like baby powder. This would turn the moisture/oil in your horn to sludge (and increase the wear dramatically). The only solution is to clean, dry and oil daily and to keep in mind that the valves could need replating in as little as 2-3 years if you want to keep them tight!

Mechanical damage can often be seen by scarring on the valve. A good technician is the solution here.

01-17-2008, 05:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 4,153	Re: hi from the desert Sticky slow valves can come from a variety of sources: dirt wrong oil mechanical damage Dirt/wrong oil is easy, disassemble the trumpet and give everything except the valves a bath. The valves are cleaned by hand to keep the felt washers from becoming wet. After bathing, wipe the valve and casing down and let it dry thoroughly. This is important as oil floats on water and oiling wet valves means no oil contact to the metal and no protection. Depending on your desert, the sand can be a problem. In the middle east the sand is almost like baby powder. This would turn the moisture/oil in your horn to sludge (and increase the wear dramatically). The only solution is to clean, dry and oil daily and to keep in mind that the valves could need replating in as little as 2-3 years if you want to keep them tight! Mechanical damage can often be seen by scarring on the valve. A good technician is the solution here. __________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.