Tuba Rotary Valve Question

[b.williams]

Hi folks.

Should a rotary valve have the same popping sound when the valve is pressed after tunning slide is pulled like its piston cousin?

If so, is it a big deal if it doesn't pop.

[jamsav]

hey brian , good morning !-unvented and not popping may indicate a lack of compression-...and possibly a sign of leakage , worn valves , old age , repair bill...but not neccessarily...let the playing decide..

[csaevig]

The valve might just be a bit out of alignment...

[TUBAD83]

Unvented and not popping? That's a big sign that something is wrong, friend--check for air leaks.

JJ

[iiipopes]

Remember, theoretically, the rotor only rides on the rotor bearings. So check to make sure there is a sufficient "seal" of either valve oil or condensation between the rotor and the casing. Occasionally, if I let my 186 dry out, it will not pop until I've played it for about 20 minutes for the condensation seal to reestablish. Then it will pop, with a good loud "thunk" when I pull 1 almost all the way out and then press the valve. Going the opposite way, 2 may not sound hardly at all due to the short length of tubing, but when I reestablish the seal and put the slide back in, the compression will actually kick the slide back out a tad, and then a lighter "thunk" when I push the valve. If it does not pop or thunk after making sure the "seal" is reestablished, then be concerned about compression, wear or leakage.