Broken 1st valve spring

[RickF]

Well, not a horror story, but sure could have been.

During our concert last night I kept hearing my 1st valve spring rattling or clicking. During a break or long rest I loosened the valve's top cap and raised and lowered the valve while twisting it trying to re-seat the spring. This usually worked in the past, but didn't last night. I decided to ignore it and put up with the rattle.

Today I pulled off the bottom valve cap and found a broken 1st valve spring! Sure glad I didn't do this during the concert as I might not have gotten the parts back in to make the valve work again. I had a couple of solos too. Whew!

I keep spare springs at home but not with me at a gig. This is the first time I've ever had a broken spring.

[davewerden]

So just how fast were you playing to actually break a spring!? I think you're one up on me.

[RickF]

Originally posted by: davewerden

So just how fast were you playing to actually break a spring!? I think you're one up on me.

Ha ha. Not anywhere near as fast as you play.

My springs were about 3 years old but weren't worn on the edges. Maybe they did something in the shop that I'm unaware of. I had my horn in for ultra-sonic cleaning a week or so ago. They take out the valves and springs so don't think that would be it. Not sure. Never thought I'd have to carry spare springs with me.

[daruby]

Wow...in 50 years of playing, I have never had a spring break!