aaron1964

My daily user trumpet has a bad slow valve problem. I have had it chemicaly frushed, cleaned and even had the valves "re-alligned" Whatever that meant, but 1st and 2nd valve are still sticky. I use plenty of good oil and its been cleaned professionally. Is there a prucedure that they do to either re line the valves tubes or I've heard of re lining the valves. Is this something that is common?

veery715

"Plenty" of oil may be too much. Chem cleaning doens't usually help the valves. Try cleaning them yourself by soaking the valves (not so the felts get wet) in warm water with a drop or two of dish soap. While they soak, rinse out the rest of the horn, and then wash the cylinders with a bit of the same soapy water, using a soft brush (from your music store). Rinse with clean water and dry with a lintless cloth (an old necktie works great).
You can push the cloth through with a chopstick - a couple of times - so when you look through the cylinders towards a light everything is dry and shiny.
Take the valves and rinse them, one at a time, in warm water, and then dry with the same necktie material. Inspect the valve pistons for vertical lines and pits. There may be some staining, but if there are vertical lines or pits you can fell with your fingernail you may need to have them re-plated - Andersons can do it but it's a couple hundred bucks.
If there is no visible damage to the pistons lubricate them with just a little oil - 1 line down each piston, and no more than 1 or two drops in the cylinders and reassemble. If they still stick, redo the whole cleaning and try another oil - perhaps one of the newer synthetic ones.
Has your horn slowly developed this problem or suddenly? If slowly you may need to look at your finger motion - are you pushing them sideways? If suddenly - did you change or mix oils? Some don't mix and there are lots of different weight oils to be had.

uapiper

I could use an answer too. I have a '57 Conn New York Symphony that has a third valve that sticks. I might try to lap the valve with some toothpaste and valve oil. I also know that the springs are not correct. Any suggestions or does anyone know where to buy proper springs?

Sorry, I know it's not my thread, just a little hijack is all.

gglassmeyer

I have a 1970 Yamaha, that needed the valves redone. I took it to the local repair shop and they sent it off. I'm not sure who did the work, but they did a great job. My total bill was $225 which was for the valves and a small patch on the 1st valve slide.

Had this done in 2000 and haven't had any trouble since.

FYI the original valves were monel not the yamalloy ones that were so problematic.

A.N.A. Mendez

Same here, I've had several horns get the valve rebuild via Andersons, world of difference. Well worth a couple hundred bucks.

aaron1964

Ok I am opting for a rebuild after all else has failed. Who and where is Andersons? I was going to take it to Kanstul in Anaheim CA. Anyone familiar with them?

burgerbob

I would hope that most people here had! Good choice, Kanstul.

gglassmeyer

Kanstul makes very good instruments, I'm sure they would take great care of you.

The really cool thing is that while your horn is gone you'll be playing something different. When you get your old familiar horn back it will have nice valves and you'll be amazed at how nicely it seems to play. I had my horn from 1983 - 2000 and played it almost exclusively. Nothing else played or felt like it. When it came back from the shop it was like meeting an old friend.