Posted by Peter Fieldswallow on December 12, 2003 at 00:09:46:
In Reply to: Lapping of Valves posted by Jim on December 11, 2003 at 23:55:22:
There are a few various explainings of "lapping of valves" from the Distin publications,
one of which stems from the tubist playing in a seated position, believe it or not. If the instrument is being at rest in the player's lap, it is said to be lapping of the valves, a term most often used in a Symphonic situation and/or setting.
Also, from Ditcham's book, I'm knowing it from the First Edition at least, is the fact of no valve oil at once upon the time. The lubricant in these days, before oil, was saliva.
Players were actually have the insertion valves in the mouth, and sometimes licking them, hence of course "lapping" the valves. Covering them in saliva.
Then there is a modern usage, when the valves should be replated, to have them fitting in the cases, the valves are lapped once again.
Hope This Has Been A Help Of Something.
-Peter