I use them nearly every practice session. I keep the main slide in, and dump it out the bell. Sometimes they get hung up *after* the tuning slide. I think it's because they tumble sideways at some point and get stuck. Blowing again will send them on their way.
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Thanks everyone for the replies! I did think of most of those ideas and tried your suggestions. (except pouring water down the bell, that's next)
The horn is playing fine and all valves work fine. I've cleaned the area (the whole basement room) thoroughly and found nothing like what I expected. I did NOT try a snake yet and guess that should be next along with water down the bell. I also DID notice a much cleaner feel to the horn and I'll definitely continue on a weekly basis. Also, I did have the main tuning slide pulled out, so I thought I was doing it properly...still a mystery to me, but I'll definitely be more attentive next time I use them!
Joe
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Originally posted by JoeMin View PostThanks everyone for the replies! I did think of most of those ideas and tried your suggestions. (except pouring water down the bell, that's next)
The horn is playing fine and all valves work fine. I've cleaned the area (the whole basement room) thoroughly and found nothing like what I expected. I did NOT try a snake yet and guess that should be next along with water down the bell. I also DID notice a much cleaner feel to the horn and I'll definitely continue on a weekly basis. Also, I did have the main tuning slide pulled out, so I thought I was doing it properly...still a mystery to me, but I'll definitely be more attentive next time I use them!
JoeDave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece DC3, Wick 4AL, Wick 4ABL
YouTube: dwerden
Facebook: davewerden
Twitter: davewerden
Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium
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I don't use these things, but do clean my instruments otherwise on a regular basis. You should be aware that there are some important places in your horn (particularly a standard euphonium with vertical valves).
For the first time in a LONG time -- over a year, since I haven't been playing it for a couple of years regularly -- I got out my compensating Eb tuba yesterday and cleaned off the valves and reassembled everything. As part of that I pulled off the bottom valve caps and discovered a lot of built-up crud (partly hardened and partly still slimy) in a couple of them. This stuff will not be reached by Herco balls or even by flushing the horn. The bottom caps have to be removed to get at the build-up and what clings to the spring bumpers in them. Eventually, that crap can work upwards and onto the piston. So it's something to keep in mind over time and not think that you're reaching it without taking the valves apart.Gary Merrill
Wessex EEb Bass tuba (DW 3XL or 2XL)
Mack Brass Compensating Euph (DE N106, Euph J, J9 euph)
Amati Oval Euph (DE 104, Euph J, J6 euph)
1924 Buescher 3-valve Eb tuba (with std US receiver), Kelly 25
Schiller American Heritage 7B clone bass trombone (DE LB K/K10/112/14 Lexan, Brass Ark MV50R)
1947 Olds "Standard" trombone (Olds #3)
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Gary,
I use Spitballs, QHR, and disassembly with swabs to do a full home cleaning on my horns. Once or twice a year. Yup valves, slides and the whole thing.
DougAdams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band
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Originally posted by ghmerrill View PostI don't use these things, but do clean my instruments otherwise on a regular basis. You should be aware that there are some important places in your horn (particularly a standard euphonium with vertical valves).
For the first time in a LONG time -- over a year, since I haven't been playing it for a couple of years regularly -- I got out my compensating Eb tuba yesterday and cleaned off the valves and reassembled everything. As part of that I pulled off the bottom valve caps and discovered a lot of built-up crud (partly hardened and partly still slimy) in a couple of them. This stuff will not be reached by Herco balls or even by flushing the horn. The bottom caps have to be removed to get at the build-up and what clings to the spring bumpers in them. Eventually, that crap can work upwards and onto the piston. So it's something to keep in mind over time and not think that you're reaching it without taking the valves apart.
Mike
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