Dave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
YouTube: dwerden
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Ben,
The issue here with Euphonium triggers is not just lubrication, but also cleanliness and how it is serviced. Here is how I got the trigger on my Sterling to work smooth as silk (did the same to my brand new 2007 Besson 2051 Prestige as well). I repeat this service about once a year.
- The legs of the tuning slide will get corrosion and micro scratches over time which increases stiction. (Bad)
- Disconnect the linkage and remove the slide.
- I clean (first) then polish the legs of the tuning slide using Wrights Silver creme to make sure all corrosion is gone and they are very smooth. Don't do this on a triggerless horn unless you want the slides to fall out.
- I clean the receiving ferrules using an old T-shirt and Brass Saver brush. This insures that all old greasy, dirty oil, etc. has been removed.
- I use Hetman #5 Slide oil on the tuning slide and linkage. I put some on one leg of the slide, then stick the leg in the horn all the way, turning the slide back and forth as I do so that the slide and receiver are well oiled. Do the other leg. Now put the slide in and reconnect the linkage.
- The slide action should be good and not catch, however it may be somewhat sluggish as Hetman #5 is kind of thick. I then use Hetman #1 valve oil (just a drop or two) to lightly dilute the slide oil until trigger action is perfect. I also use #5 on the ball joints.
I have never used trombone creme on my euphonium triggers because it washes out too quickly. I like Hetman #5 (with or without dilution) because it lasts a long time and is somewhat impervious to washing out.
Any micro-abrasion or dirt that roughens the surfaces between the slide and receiver walls will eventually cause the slide to "catch". Please keep in mind that even the slightest mis-alignment may cause the tuning slide to cock in the receivers and catch. Since my horn has the Besson style belly pan (without Besson's heavy braces), I have to remove and re-install the belly pan carefully so it doesn't misalign the receivers.
Doug
Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band
Pick up a new set of felts. Also slightly bend the 4th valve retainer so that the 4th valve is not pushed up hard against the valve cap when you put the horn away. The 4th valve tends to stay wet and sit in oily water. When the retainer holds the 4th valve in tight, it tends to compress the felts and the wet oily gunk causes the finger button felt to stay compressed. In my experience, this causes excessive 4th valve noise on the down stroke. I purchase Besson "soft stop" felts when in England by the gross but you can get them via eBay.
Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band
Since I got my Yamaha Neo with trigger, I've tried so many things to get the main tuning slide moving smoothly. I've tried Super Slick tuning slide grease, Super Slick trombone cream with and without water, Al Cass, Hetman #3 and Yamaha synthetic valve oils - EVERYTHING STUCK. A Yamaha representative recommended the Yamaha synthetic tuning slide oil. I went with their suggestion since they probably used this oil in their development and testing. The slide no longer stuck but was still sluggish. I just read your 6th bullet point and mixed in some Hetman #3 to the tuning slide oil (maybe 70 to 30 tuning to valve oil ratio). Lo and behold, it's now smooth and quick! Thank you so much!
Last edited by Jasonium; 10-19-2018 at 12:38 AM.
Yamaha Neo 642TSII
Denis Wick SM4 Ultra X