steve baldwin

hi there, just got my first trumpet after 20 years of thinking about it! put my 68 gibson es335 to rest and all i wanna do is play the horn, but it think the valves on mine are fubared, can anyone help me figure this one out?

veery715

We could use some more specifics. Fubared tells us you think something with the valves is amiss, but what exactly is the problem? Do they go up and down OK? Can you blow the horn freely and make a sound?
We can help if you 'splain.

steve baldwin

i can actualy make sounds, the valves are nice and free but are they supposed to be air tight? and how do i know what key it is in?

Stile442

What kind of horn is it?

steve baldwin

its says vincent bach usa on the bell

Original_Username

It's probably a Bach student model horn. Does it say TR300 or some other set of numbers on the mouthpiece reciever?

veery715

The page:
Bach Trumpet at Woodwind & Brasswind - Page 1

features both Bb and C trumpets. Note the bell seems to protrude more on the C horn. (Actually the bend behind it is shorter). Compare yours and you should be able to tell which key it is in. Most likely (MOST) is Bb.
You should be able to produce a Bb (get near a piano - the right hand black key in the group of TWO black keys is Bb), without depressing any valves. You will also be able to get other pitches that way, but not a C (two keys higher).
You won't be able to judge whether the valves are airtight. If you pull the slide out from the first valve and it pops, that is a good sign.
Best way to resolve your questions is find a teacher and begin lessons. He(she) will know what you have and be able to evaluate it. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can learn on your own. (Your local music store should also be able to answer your questions.)

administrator

Welcome Steve!

commakozzi

Welcome and good luck! You could, very cheaply, take that horn to a local music shop (a respectable one - ask around or tell us which area you're in and we'll look one up for you) and have the repair guy do a valve service and cleaning for you. Everyone once in awhile I'll take my horns in for this, but I'm getting pretty good at taking care of my horns. The guys at the shop I take my horns to when I do will guarantee that the horn will not be damaged by anything they do, so try to make sure that you get the same kind of guarantee. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend the $30-$50 to do this, you could just give your horn a good bath. Use COLD water in a CLEAN tub (please make sure the tub is VERY clean) along with some dishwashing liquid. Make sure that the liquid is not a detergent or does not contain a detergent as these types are abrasive!!! So, just let the horn sit in this for several hours and then use a snake and valve brush (found at most local guitar and drum stores... sorry music stores) carefully to clean out the horn (there are many guides for doing this on the internet). Then, very importantly, let the horn sit and dry COMPLETELY before putting back together. And since I'm just mentioning putting the horn back together, you'll need to look into some guides for cleaning the horn in the first place, because you need to take the horn apart safely. You'll need to set the valves aside and be careful to not let the tops get wet. I usually use the same liquid soap in a glass of cold water so that the water only comes up to the very top of the parts of the valves that contain the spring cylinder. Valves are different, so please be sure to check with someone about how to take care of your valves during cleaning!

Anyway, since you're a beginner, I'd just recommend taking it to a good, reputable shop and have them do it. Just don't go to a typical guitar and drum store where some guy that played trumpet in high school (but thinks he's a rockstar on the guitar now) will say "hey, yeah, I think I can take care of that for you, I'll just sand the valves down a little so they fit better". No, you need to find one with a woodwind and brass repairman who has a LOT of experience. And those are easier to find than you might think.