SubCategory Archive (tags): ‘Repairs and Modifications’

James asks: I recently purchased an old 1960′s Contempora online. However, both the horn and the case look like they haven’t been touched since the 1960′s; even the valve oil, slide grease, and rag that came with it looked like they popped out of another era. Unfortunately, all aspects (horn, case) smelled like really bad [...]

Bruce B. asks:   Following up on your article on clanking valves. My horn (Holton 179, early 90s vintage) will clank if I am careless about adjusting the string position relative to the valve rotor.  If I adjust the string so that the finger lever is positioned close to the lead pipe, the back end [...]

Eric J asks: I recently bought a new horn about two months ago. Everything is in working order, great sound, projection, ergonomic, light, just a great instrument overall. There is only one problem: The Bb side of the horn is consistently about 15 cents flat. All the slides are pushed in, the F is still [...]

I can only say, “Wow!”  When I suggested that my repair articles become an “Ask Dave” feature, I had no idea that I’d get such a positive response!  Keep those cards and letters coming, folks! * * * Ed asks: Having oiled my valves inside the rotors with Hetman rotor oil, how do I get [...]

K asks, “Why do valves clank and what can be done about them?’ * * * Dave replies:  Valves clank because something is loose. The loose parts are given momentum when the valve lever is depressed or let go, and when the motion is stopped, “Clank!”, the loose parts hit each other and make noise.The [...]