Posted by Rocky Bivens on January 19, 2003 at 12:48:00:
My 3rd rotary valve feels (sounds) "gritty" after I've been playing for a short time (1/2 an hour). If I lie the horn down, valve side up, it feels smooth again.
I always squirt valve oil down the lead pipe every time I finish playing. I also squirt copious amounts down the specific slides that are a direct path to the "gritty" sounding valve.
If it matters, the tuba is a Yamaha YBB 641 - I love it, no matter what you say :-P
Thanks in advance for any advise.