Posted by Sean Chisham on August 18, 2001 at 11:48:42:
In Reply to: oil for big valves posted by Annoyed on August 18, 2001 at 10:43:09:
Valves take time to break in. The new piston horns I have played have usually taken close to a year of solid use before the valves are reliable. Until then, I go through a lot of valve oil. Just about the time my HB-21 valves started to really loosen up I sold the horn. My newer Hirsbrunner, with basically the same valveset as what you have, is still a pain in the rear as far as valve response goes.
My Yammerhammer Blastophone at work has the worst valves of any piston horn I have used. They reliably start to stick after only a few minutes. I have given up on trying to compensate for them and just let the half valved notes happen. I am sure the the trumpet players in front of me are wondering how the hell I ever got a job. Don't even get me stated on the neck bits coming loose!
Breaking in pistons is a test of patience.
sean