Buzzing Sound (?)

[stephenhunt16]

I recently purchased a used Miraphone M5050 in great condition, very good horn. However, when I play second valve, there is an extremely noticeable buzzing/sizzling type sound, and a vibration. It only happens when second valve is used so I'm thinking it's something to do with the piping or valve cylinder (and not a player problem, since it doesn't happen on other valves). There is a spit catcher attached to the valves that also may be the culprit... What do you guys think?

[RickF]

The valve trough is a good thing to check first. Just slide it off and see if the buzz goes away. It could also be the 2nd valve spring either off center or mangled a bit. Also be sure all the valve caps (top and bottom) are snug.

Congrats on a really great horn! I really love my M5050.

[davewerden]

Let me add my congratulations on obtaining a very nice, pro-level euphonium!

I was formulating an answer when I saw Rick's, and I would not change a word of it!!

[John Morgan]

Do you have a trigger for the main tuning slide on your M5050? If so, check the two large screws that hold the gold bar that keeps you from contacting the tuning slide when you press the trigger lever. Mine came loose frequently. But, you would probably hear a rattle or vibration all the time if this was the case.

You have a great horn, it was my favorite horn of all I had owned up to that point, when I had mine not too long ago.

[stephenhunt16]

Thank you all for the help! I checked all of what you guys said, turns out the valve spit catcher was a little loose. I got that fixed and it's good to go!

[RickF]

That's good to hear. My valve trough would sometimes fall off at an inopportune times so I added small rubber "O-rings" to the nipples of the bottom valve caps. If I remember right it was number '5' that fit well. You can find these at any home improvement supply -- Home Depot or Lowes.
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Here's a link to Don Winston's post about adding O-rings:
http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...205#post123205