- - Please visit: Legacy Horn Experience - -
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 rid of the oil from the sides of the slides to prevent the slide grease from being broken down immediately ?
I know you suggest putting oil in the slides but unfortunately I didn’t read that gem before doing it.
Dave replies:
The best thing to do is pull the slides and wipe the slide legs clean with a paper towel. Acquire a flute cleaning rod, and put a about a 6 inch (12cm) strip of clean, lint free cloth (preferably cotton) in it. Use the cleaning rod to clean out the slide leg stocking tubes. (Tip: test the length of the rod on the outside of the tubes before you insert it so that you don’t push it in too far. Put your hand at the point at which you want to stop the rod from going any further.)
Now that the slide legs and slide stocking have been wiped, lubricate them sparingly and re-insert the slides. You should be okay at this point, assuming the heavier lubricant has not already been dissolved and run down into the valves.
* * *
K asks:
How can I tell if a repair person is good or not before I use them?
Dave replies:
The same way you tell if a car repair technician is good or not, namely get references. Every technician has different experience and different strengths. Of course, it would be great to go to someone who only works on horns and does it well.
But that’s not an option for some folks, who live far from a specialist.
You can start a search at www.napbirt.org. The National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians has a code of ethics and supports continuing education for members.
Once you locate a technician, ask other horn players if they’ve used them. Ask the technician if he or she has worked on horns and rotary valves. Ask what the technician intends to do to fix your horn. If you are wary, go elsewhere for a second opinion. Finally, if you have an expensive custom horn, maybe you should consider a trip with your horn to see a specialist.
