- - Please visit: Legacy Horn Experience - -
Over the break I’ve had a chance to really look at some questions I had about the valve lever position positions on my three double horns.
My fall semester episode
Early in the fall semester I was working on some very technical passages for an upcoming recital and was also getting rather frustrated. I was to a point where I was thinking there might be issues with my fingers, but then I tried other of my horns and discovered that I could play the passages on my big Paxman 25. As it was a horn, tuba, and piano recital, I went with that, I thought it would blend well. And I basically went with that horn for the fall. The Paxman as it was set up then is seen below.
Further analysis
With the break I did more analysis. The Paxman was the best because it needed a more “closed” had position, and the thumb also sits in a fairly closed position. For me there is an optimal distance between the thumb and third valve when they are depressed in particular, where my hand is closed in a certain way. I suspect somewhat related to aging, but I have clearly learned that I can’t use a big grip anymore, the fingers have better action in a more closed position.
But I did note, as good as the horn felt, that my fingers were hitting well back on the finger cups I had soldered to the valve levers years ago. There was room for improvement. I changed it over to the silver dimes that had previously been on the Patterson Geyer, as seen above. They don’t “stick out” as far and now sit in an optimal space for my fingers (with no dimes I have to reach out too far). The visible dime is a 1962, made the same year as me (only use vintage silver dimes!).
Compare those valve lever positions to the improved positions now seen on the Patterson Geyer. The string action valves have a lot of room for adjustment. I set them considerably lower, and I removed the dimes as they were unnecessary. I think I needed them more when I had the valves set higher. Also, I pulled the thumb lever in on the bar almost as far as it will go. The position is close to the same as the Paxman, and my fingers are much happier.
Which brings me to the Kruspe. Sigh. I have the 1-2-3 at, again, close to the optimal spot for me, with some snazzy 1948 dimes that match the age of the horn. But the thumb valve – I tried my best! – but it is really hopeless. Much too far away from the 1-2-3 valves, the throw is really long, etc. I think I can only use this horn (as good as it sounds!) for music that is not overly technical or at least not using the thumb valve much.
New year’s resolution: make your horn feel better for your left hand
As mentioned above, with string action valves you typically have a lot of room to move the position, and it is worth reevaluating those valve positions. You get used to valve positions to a point, but really you should be adjusting them to suit you the best you can.
For anyone wondering how to adjust the height of a valve, you need to loosen the screw on the side of the valve stem and slide the valve string to a better position.
The dimes are a bit more of an operation to add, but any competent brass repairman can help you out! Just be sure to use a dime from before 1965.
Start the new year with valves in better positions to help your technique fly.
