My 8th grade son just got a brand new Besson Sovereign 968 Euphonium. He had been playing on a non-compensating euphonium. When we got home tonight, my son saw this metal piece in silver (his instrument is lacquer). He discovered that it fits at the bottom of the valves, but why? What's the purpose?
Does it come with dampers already installed or does he need to install the dampers that came in a baggie?
Is a valve guard recommended? If so, which one(s)?