ccaranna

Hi everyone,

This seems like a terrific board. I am a ex-trumpet player that's getting back into playing recreationally. When I was in the 5th grade (25 years ago) a gift from my parents was a Bach Stradivarius, which was my primary instrument for my entire playing career through college and beyond. Marching band, solos, orchestra, jazz, you name it, I played on it, though marching with it was probably the worst thing I could have done with it.

Well, needless to say, I haven't played at all in the last dozen or so years and my horn isn't in the greatest shape. When I pulled it out of the case recently, the slides and the valves were all frozen. I've since taken it to my neighborhood music shop and they got it back into working order, though they told me it has a case of red-rot on the main tube that's irreparable.

Since I got it back, I've been practicing again, (it's been fun!) though the valves don't work as well as I would like. They seem to stick when depressed for longer than a couple seconds which is frustrating.

Since it's been so long since I've really taken care of a trumpet, (not that I was ever the best care giver anyway) can I assume that the instrument is just simply old and will never be the same, or is it possible for instruments to last a long time? Does my instrument just need time to get back in shape (like me)? Should I consider a new horn? The salesman thought maybe I should think about it, but I'm not sure I can justify spending a lot for a new horn right now for the amount of playing I forsee myself doing.

Any advice/insight much appreciated!

Chuck

Stile442

Horns can last a very long time if you take care of them. If they are neglected they can become pretty much worthless in a couple of years. I guess the question is how bad is your horn and is it worth it for you to buy a new one. If you're not going to be doing alot of playing then I probably would not buy a new horn but if you want something in better condition you can find a nice quality used horn for not too much money. Welcome to TM and keep playing.

PS- next time take care of your horn

Vulgano Brother

Did they clean the horn (and valves) or just free things up? A chemical clean might free things up, or if you are cheap and looking for adventure, you can take it apart and soak it overnight in a solution of vitamin C powder and water. Rinse it with a solution of baking soda and water, then plain water.

If the valves still stick, maybe a thicker valve oil is in order.

Have fun, and welcome back!

michaelm2

Chuck,

I'd get it cleaned and gone over by a competent repair shop. It will cost quite a bit to get an instrument of equal quality to yours. As far as age I've got a 1927 vintage Conn 22b that I pull out a couple of times a year for a few gigs and it still works fine with minimal care.

Good Luck.
Mike

ccaranna

Thanks, guys. He did a chemical clean from what I understand. I just realized that my valve oil is Al Cass (circa 1994), so maybe I ought to guy buy some new stuff. My guess is that oil breaks down over time and sort of becomes worthless. I should know better!

Zaraskabat

Welcome Chuck!
From what I understand, red rot usually destroys the leadpipe and tuning slide first. You can get a new lead pipe installed for 125 bucks, Bach leadpipes are pretty common and copies are everywhere. Tuning slides are on ebay all the time. Worse case on the valves is if they need rebuilt by Andersons through your local 'competent' shop, will cost 250 bucks. These three costs are a third of what Strads go for on ebay, old and used and who really knows what they need? I don't think your valves need rebuilt or you would have been complaining of stuffy sounding and hard to blow. I have had luck having them polished and doing a daily wiping and apply a couple drops of oil and rubbing in with the fingers. After a month of this daily, they will get much more responsive. You might also do well to get new springs and such installed. Just my thoughts, you alreadu have a horn many seek, it may cost a few hundred to bring it completely back, but the value is there. Also from what I gather, not much on a trumpet is 'beyond repair', I even heard of someone rebuilding a Benge that had been flattened for a wall hanging..........
Ken

Richard Oliver

Chuck, welcome to Trumpet Master! I too began practing again after 25 years.

The answer is yes if you care for them.

Don't know. A good repairman could tell you if it can be done, and together you can decide if it's worth the money.

Jim Donaldson's Trumpet Gearhead website had lots of great answers to the questions I began asking after I rented a horn and began practicing again.

http://www.dallasmusic.org/gearhead/

Happy Practicing,

Richard Oliver