Posted by Lee Stofer on May 09, 2003 at 20:31:31:
In Reply to: Good source for corks for Rotary linkage posted by CK on May 09, 2003 at 09:45:38:
You should be able to get stick cork (already in the right diameter) from your local instrument repair tech. In earlier days before I became a repair tech, I experimented with several sources and all of those corks yielded disappointing results.
I now stock top-grade natural cork to use where appropriate, and also neoprene and 50 durometer silicone cord (sort-of an opaque color, much like neoprene but a little less stiff), and I try to optimize the response and feel of the valves. On most rotary horns, cork on the return side and silicone on the down side gives a good feel, quiet action, and lasts a long time. I keep about four different diameters of each material, as instruments of differing makes and sizes use different diameters.
Lee Stofer