Rattling on horn

[Euphinator]

So recently, there has been a lot of rattling when i play. Here are the notes in which the rattling occurs:

1st valve: Eb (major rattle) and Ab (faint rattle).

2nd valve: E (major rattle) and A (faint rattle).

3rd valve: D (major rattle)

4th valve: C (faint rattle)

So as you can see, I'm mainly having problems with notes in the staff, especially in the partal of F with valves pressed down. It is really only bad on the 1st and 2nd vavles, since those are the notes I play often (Don't use 3rd valve for D). I've tried flipping the springs in these valves, and that doesn't work.

My horn I use is a 1977 Besson Compensating New Standard, and a gold-plated Schilke 51D Mouthpiece.

Does anybody have any ideas on why this is occuring and how to fix it?



EDIT: I've found the problem. One of my spit valves was loose, causing an air leak which I mistook to be rattling from the valves. The screw on it protrudes much farther than that on the other spit valve on my horn. (The problem one is the main tuning slide, the only other one is the first valve). Is there a way to fix this issue, so this problem doesn't happen anymore?

[davewerden]

My guess is that your springs are not seated straight. First, clean out the bottom valve cap on all 4 so the groove in the bottom has a crisp edge. Then clean the spring so there is no gunk on it (especially on either end). Also make sure the spring sits straight on a table top when placed on its bottom or top. If not, you may need to buy new springs.

Take the valves out one at a time. Hold the horn so that valve casing is perfectly vertical. Jiggle the horn a bit if need be until the spring is centered in the bottom and sitting straight. Insert the valve and rotate it back and forth as it starts to contact the spring. You want to make sure the spring is seated/centered in the bottom cap and at the bottom of the piston.

See if that works for you. FWIW, the worst thing you can do when oiling valves is to reinsert them while the horn is flat on your lap. The springs are sure to be off center then, and that will cause them to either scrape as you move the valve or to buzz against the side of the casing on certain notes.

If none of the above helps, then try new springs anyway. It's possible that, even though they look like they sit straight, they flex sideways when compressed and touch the sides then.

[JTJ]

Sometimes I get a rattle which sounds like it is coming from the bell if one of the valve caps is a bit loose.

[davewerden]

Originally posted by: JTJ Sometimes I get a rattle which sounds like it is coming from the bell if one of the valve caps is a bit loose.

Good point, John. John may have meant this already, but check the bottom caps as well. Another thing to check is the music lyre screw. Those get loose and cause mischief sometimes. If you have a metal water catcher under the valves, take it off and see what happens.

[RickF]

Euphinator says he found the rattle. It was his water key or spit valve.

If the long screw is coming loose, you can try adding some 'locktite' to the threads, which should stop it from backing out. You can find locktite in any hardware store.

[davewerden]

Originally posted by: RickF Euphinator says he found the rattle. It was his water key or spit valve.

Darn! I was going to suggest that, but I thought it was too unlikely. Guess not!