Recently, my valve on my tenor horn was moving very sluggish, and even though I had oiled it in the necessary spots, it was still moving rather slow. We would recommend oiling about once per month to keep the rotary valves in good condition. If you practice the tuba every day, you should make it a point to oil your valves at least once a week. During a valve rebuild, the valves are returned to new (or, in many cases, better than new) condition. This is a Yamaha YEP321 4 valve euphonium for repair. Be sure to re-oil the valve before inserting it back in the trumpet. Sticky Valves. Sold individually—if replacing all three guides on a tuba, you will need to order three units. We then proceed with removing the guard moldings along with the keel and large … I'm looking for a way to fix my noisy piston valves on my full sized Yamaha tuba. Trombone (Slide) Trombone Care & Maintenance. Video Lessons For Your Individual Brass Instrument. When a mouthpiece is first placed in a tuba, it’ll fit snugly. Tuba brass is soft and pliable, so whatever you do don’t try to fix this on your own. Since I was not going to have time to take it to a brass mechanic, I began to do what I my father-in-law suggests when working on cars – go to YouTube and try to fix it yourself. Why did clay walker and Lori lampson get divorced? If your tuba’s lacquer or finish was damaged in an accident, you’ll have to look very closely to even see where the dent originally was if it’s fixed by a professional. What is the WPS button on a wireless router? What date do new members of congress take office? A tuba lyre is attached to the back side of the tuba (opposite of from where you play) below the second or third valve on the piping. To find and eliminate the problem check the valves to ensure none of the corks, felts, or spacers are worn down. Here are the parts to a Du-Bro ball link kit: The ball sits atop the brass spacer, and is held in place with the socket-head screw (with nut if needed). However, 1 tends to … Some of the Most Common Repairs for the Tuba Valve Rebuilding. I also heard Gerhard Meinl talk about doing the same with rotary valve tubas. Tuba Maintenance and Repair : Basic Tools and Terminology : Basic Maintenance : Simple Repairs and Service . My Instrument Doesn't Sound! If you’re concerned about your sticky valves, a qualified repair technician will be more than happy to help you sort out the situation. Slide the valve back in until a clicking sound is heard, and tighten the valve cap. After setting the top cap, press the valve several times to help the oil work around the valve spring, piston and casing. You may need to find the right pitch by moving slide 1, slide 5, and so on. It could also get put back in the wrong way.) Experiencing problems with the tuba and its various components is a normal part of owning an instrument, and many of the issues that do arise can be quickly and easily fixed by a qualified repair technician. Lie the trumpet on a flat surface. No, this isn't the same type of cleaning that you'd pay a repair technician to do, but maybe it isn't at that point yet. Among the services offered are: Professional Cleaning and Servicing; Piston and Rotor Valve repair Don’t worry–it’s probably nothing you did “wrong”, it’s just the nature of owning a tuba. If you think your valves are stuck, you can  handle the situation on your own with some. Valves open and close, allowing compression for the power stroke and the release of exhaust gases. The last thing you want to do is damage your tuba even worse by attempting to dislodge a stuck mouthpiece on your own. Essentially, the only way you can effectively avoid dents is to never, ever touch your instrument. Take them out and completely wash them in warm water. How old was queen elizabeth 2 when she became queen? Unscrew the back-plate of each rotor and put one drop of thicker oil on the central bearing. This process, which may have to be repeated several times depending on the severity of the issue, brings the valve and casing together in the best possible fit, effectively eliminating any low spots. Leaking valve on the kite's tube? It all depends how the tuba valve is broken. Please note that standard in/out valves and boston typed valves are common for many brands and can be found in the list above. They rotate on a fixed axis. This problem can be easily fixed with our newly rebuilt Dr.Tuba Valve Repair Kit! During a chemical cleaning, the tuba is completely disassembled and build-ups of old grease and oil, along with corrosion, are removed from the inside of the instrument with a special solution. This video shows how to fix a valve that is stuck due to a bent valve stem. Coat the valve with oil. Just give it a good scrubbing, let it dry out and oil it back up. The first number stands for Trumpet, the second for Horn, the third for Trombone, the fourth (separated from the first three by a dot) for Euphonium and the fifth for Tuba.Any additional instruments (Tympani in this example) are indicated by a "w/" (meaning "with") or by using a plus sign. How to Find a Qualified Repair Technician. Among the services offered are: Professional Cleaning and Servicing; Piston and Rotor Valve repair My band teacher doesn't feel like fixing one of the tubas we have that we havent used in a while because the first three valves are all stuck. No metal is removed during the process, and the finish of your tuba won’t be touched. There are a lot of reasons why valves are stuck. Valve … If valves are stuck on return then turn the actual rotor spindle direct by hand to free and do not use the valve buttons so the linkage is not bend. Lacquer 3 Valve Baritone or Euphonium $95* Silver 3 Valve Baritone or Euphonium $130* When a mouthpiece is first placed in a tuba, it’ll fit snugly. Unscrew the first valve slide, and slide the valve out just slightly. Once they’re “un-stuck”, make sure to keep them lubricated to avoid future issues. If tuba is not to be used for prolonged period (over one week), for example while on holiday, always oil the inside of the valves before leaving. Is it delaminated? The first number stands for Trumpet, the second for Horn, the third for Trombone, the fourth (separated from the first three by a dot) for Euphonium and the fifth for Tuba.Any additional instruments (Tympani in this example) are indicated by a "w/" (meaning "with") or by using a plus sign. Miraphone Torx Driver $5.00 $7.00 Sale Sold Out. Tuba & Euphonium Parts. Fixes for a Bathtub Water Valve. By this, oil will spread properly, and the valve will work more efficiently. Euphonium/Tuba Valve Guide Valve guide for 4th valve on Besson baritones, euphoniums; and 1st, 2nd, & 3rd valve on Besson tubas. Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? It is missing all 4 fingerbuttons and the 4th valve stem. Leaking valve on the kite's tube? During a valve rebuild, the valves are returned to new (or, in many cases, better than new) condition. It also helps a little with stopping food from sticking! Dr. Tuba Valve Repair Kit. If you think about how they are constructed, they are fixed in location so that the valve will never scratch the casing. Minor dent work is also included. But, if it gets accidentally bumped or pushed in further, it’ll get wedged into the instrument and won’t come out. Leaking valve on the kite's tube? Is it delaminated? (If the valve is pulled out completely, it is more likely to be dropped and damaged. Instrument Innovations Mouthpiece Shank Repair Kit $80.00. The serial number is 126072. This is the archenemy of the valves and leads to rust and corrosion. Copyright © 2021 Multiply Media, LLC. The process is very simple, all you have to do is to reattach your delaminated or detached bladder valve with our double sided tape and finish the repair with our included glue. If you have taken out the valves and oiled them already maybe they need to be cleaned. A tuba lyre is attached to the back side of the tuba (opposite of from where you play) below the second or third valve on the piping. If you’re heading to the repair shop, here are some of the most common issues with the tuba that may need to be repaired. Valve Disassembly: Cleaning: Valve Reassembly - Closing Remarks After cleaning, the valves are bathed in oil and reassembled. Since I was not going to have time to take it to a brass mechanic, I began to do what I my father-in-law suggests when working on cars – go to YouTube and try to fix it yourself. Place the valves in a tub of 5 gallons of water with 3 tbsp. If you need help finding someone to fix your instrument, head to Music & Arts or learn, Some of the Most Common Repairs for the Tuba. Problems In addition to ruining the sound, stick valves can make it much more difficult to play. Since tuba mouthpiece shanks go from narrow to wide, it’s easy for them to get stuck over time. While piston-valved tubas have a short distance from the second tube to the end of the bell, this distance is longer for rotary-valved tubas. Valves should operate smooth and fast. Thanks! If you’re concerned about your sticky valves, a qualified repair technician will be more than happy to help you sort out the situation. Whether your tuba is made with piston or rotary valves, at some point or another the valves are sure to... Dents. This is a preventative that can slow the formation of lime. Once the valve has been properly fit, it’s finished with a layer of bright nickel plating. Instrument Innovations Mouthpiece Shank Repair Tool $20.00 $27.00 Sale. Submerge the horn in the tub of water. The reason for this is that piston-valved tubas have valves under the second tube and these are operated with the right hand. Is it delaminated? Valve oil serves as lubricant and protectant. Tuba brass is soft and pliable, so whatever you do don’t try to fix this on your own. Don’t unscrew the top of the valve button, but just under that, you need to unscrew the “valve cap”. Greasing Tuning and Valve Slides. I'd suggest take it to a good repair shop and get the lime removed … Don’t worry–it’s probably nothing you did “wrong”, it’s just the nature of owning a tuba. Make sure to pull only one slide out at a time so that they are not mixed up. This process includes disassembly of your instrument, thorough cleaning of the inside and outside, installation of new corks, felts, necessary springs and cleaning of slides and valves. Once unscrewed, lift the valve up and it will come out of the trumpet. With proper care and maintenance, not only will your tuba last for years to come, but major repairs that cost a fortune can be prevented. 3. Rinse the valves thoroughly, clean them by using the valve brush to remove any dirt or grime, dry them with a towel and place the valves aside. Where is Jesse De-Wilde son of Brandon deWilde? Get in the bathtub with it. 22.8mm diameter. Fingering guides are not absolute. Essentially, think of it as very cost-effective insurance for your instrument. After playing, there is a fair amount of moisture in the valves from your saliva. Unscrew the first valve slide, and slide the valve out just slightly. The bracketed numbers tell you how many of each instrument are in the ensemble. If you have taken out the valves and oiled them already maybe they need to be cleaned. Finally, dents are bound to be an issue–even if you never transport your tuba to or from  home, or do so very carefully. Then put drop on the front axle of each rotor and on each moving joint in the linkages. To fix this, gently remove the valve and wipe it with a clean cloth. I drill it using the bit that comes with a 4-40 tap, mounted in the flexible-shaft attachment on my Dremel tool. For practical purposes, all repair services are handled through the services of www.morseinstrumentrepair.com The Service is available for top quality playing condition repair and modification work on any brass instrument. This problem can be easily fixed with our newly rebuilt Dr.Tuba Valve Repair Kit! Valve Disassembly: Cleaning: Valve Reassembly - Closing Remarks I decided to try to fix it so somebody can use it. How to Fix Stuck Piston Valves. Help! Warm soapy water and a brush to get those valves and the valve ports and casing clean. The process is very simple, all you have to do is to reattach your delaminated or detached bladder valve with our double sided tape and finish the repair … The lead pipe to the 1st valve knuckle needs repaired or replaced(see photos) The valves move. Pictures of the valves are correct. Screw the plate back on not too tight. Place a few drops of oil on the shaft of the valve (not in the holes). 1. A snake brush would be good too. For practical purposes, all repair services are handled through the services of www.morseinstrumentrepair.com The Service is available for top quality playing condition repair and modification work on any brass instrument. Valves and lifters function as part of a vehicle's valve system. The number one culprit in sticky piston valves is that the valves/casings aren't clean. Instead of pulling out the pliers or vice grips, head to a professional–they have the appropriate tools and know exactly how to remove stuck mouthpieces without damaging the rest of your instrument. Your band or orchestra teacher should be able to provide you with advice on a) how often you should oil your valves, b) which oil valve you should be using, and c) how to properly oil your valves in the first place. The only recourse is to drill it out. Only remove and oil one valve at a time - if you take out more than one, and mix them up, your trumpet will not play correctly. Since nickel is non-reactive, corrosion of the rotor is eliminated. How to Grease Your Trombone Slide. Typically, this rebuild takes 1-3 weeks, based on the complexity of the job. shanks go from narrow to wide, it’s easy for them to get stuck over time. If this isn’t the issue, the water key could be broken or leaking, or the valves may have been mixed up after cleaning the trumpet. 2. WITH OVER 250+ STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE LARGEST PRIVATE LESSON PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES, MUSIC & ARTS IS AN AUTHORITY ON MUSIC EDUCATION AND A RESOURCE FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED MUSICIANS ALIKE. Oiling Trumpet Valves the Easy Way. This means oil doesn’t serve the same purpose as a piston valve. The process is very simple, all you have to do is to reattach your delaminated or detached bladder valve with our double sided tape and finish the repair with our included glue. Fingering Diagram for the 4/3-Tone Fifth Valve (C tuba) The fifth valve may be slightly higher or lower depending on the instrument's make or model. Take them out and completely wash them in warm water. MUSIC & ARTS IS A NATIONAL MUSIC RETAILER WITH RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND MUSICIANS. If you can not find correct valve or if you want higher quality one pump valves take a look at our UNIPUMP valve! At this time, some technicians may diagnose and recommend other repairs. What does contingent mean in real estate? How to Fix Stuck Rotary Valves. So, it is important to oil the pistons after you play the tuba. This problem can be easily fixed with our newly rebuilt Dr.Tuba Valve Repair Kit! Applying oil before you play ensures smooth, lubricated valves. This is kind of ironic but i'm actually not a tuba player, but i know how to treat valve systems pretty well. The bell and mouthpipe are the first parts to be removed followed by the waterkey bow, master tuning slide tube and brace to bottom bow. Valve stems can stick either permanently or sporadically, due to heavy varnish on the valve stem or weak return springs. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Multiply. Rotary valves don’t really stick the same way piston valves do. Tuba Maintenance and Repair : Basic Tools and Terminology : Basic Maintenance : Simple Repairs and Service . It makes a loud, metallic clang whenever any of the valves are pressed or released. Although this type of work can be performed by a general metalworker, an instrument technician is recommended, as they’ll handle your instrument with the care it deserves. Miraphone Tuba Parts From $2.00 Sale. 4. Bathtub valves work perfectly when new, but that state of problem-free function doesn't last forever, as wear and scale from the water take their toll. Also, you may encounter 6-valved tubas, or tubas other than the 4/3-tone or 2-tone models. During a professional valve rebuild, the relative fit of the bearings and the valve body is adjusted, so that the valve runs on the bearings only. You can also expect the repair technician to grease the slides, oil the levers and springs, and inspect the instrument thoroughly. A chemical cleaning is less of a fix, and more of a preventative measure. How rizal overcome frustrations in his romances? Parents of young trumpet players should be accustomed to the steps of oiling the valves as well as simple trumpet valve repair techniques. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once they’re “un-stuck”, make sure to keep them lubricated to avoid future issues. If you think your valves are stuck, you can  handle the situation on your own with some high-quality valve oil. of dishwashing liquid. If the valves are stuck, that creates many problems. Plus, as the instrument is used, the nickel plated rotors will become smoother and quicker over time. In addition to ruining the sound, stick valves can make it much more difficult to play. If you practice the tuba every day, you should make it a point to oil your valves at least once a week. If you do notice a significant dent or two, a good technician can rub and pound out the dent using special mandrels and other tools. Use the valve brush to clean the inside of the valve casings. Your band or orchestra teacher should be able to provide you with advice on a) how often you should oil your valves, b) which oil valve you should be using, and c) how to properly oil your valves in the first place. But, if it gets accidentally bumped or pushed in further, it’ll get wedged into the instrument and won’t come out. Euphonium/Baritone & Tuba (Piston Valves) Oiling, Spit Removal & Maintenance. Take the body of the tuba and set it on top of a towel in a bath-tub full of warm, not hot, water and a … Before you do anything else, I'd suggest taking the tuba and giving it a bath in lukewarm soapy water, and brushing out the casings. You just keep working your way into the horn. Whether your tuba is made with piston or rotary valves, at some point or another the valves are sure to stick. Your email address will not be published. Recently, my valve on my tenor horn was moving very sluggish, and even though I had oiled it in the necessary spots, it was still moving rather slow. When did organ music become associated with baseball? All Rights Reserved. After adding the oil to the valve, gently slide the valve up and down within its casing several times. Spread the oil. The valves are numbered 1 to 3, and the first should be closest to the mouthpiece. The last thing you want to do is damage your tuba even worse by attempting to dislodge a stuck mouthpiece on your own. There are probably just deposits stuck to the casing keeping it from smoothly operating. Instead of pulling out the pliers or vice grips, head to a professional–they have the appropriate tools and know exactly how to remove stuck mouthpieces without damaging the rest of your instrument. As a musician, you know how important taking care of your instrument is. Please find brand specific kite valves below, mainly one pump valves. 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Are stuck, you will need to be cleaned better than new ) condition back-plate of each instrument in... Tools and Terminology: Basic Tools and Terminology: Basic Tools and Terminology: Basic Maintenance: Simple and... Technicians may diagnose and recommend other Repairs did clay walker and Lori lampson get divorced wrong! In a tuba, it ’ s finished with a layer of nickel... Cleaning and Servicing ; piston and rotor valve Repair Kit also get put back in the bathtub it. Gerhard Meinl talk about doing the same purpose as a how to fix tuba valves valve about how they constructed. Repair: Basic Maintenance: Simple Repairs and Service can make it much more difficult to play of instrument...