Getzen CB-50/G-50 5th valve problems

[tylerferris1213]

Hello everyone! I am having some issues with the 5th valve on my Getzen. It has started to stick pretty bad. If any of you are familiar with the layout of these horns, you know the 5th valve is extremely hard to get to. I've tried putting oil down the 5th valve tubing, but it isn't doing any good. Does anyone have a good remedy for this issue?

[bort]

Flush it with water? In the leadpipe, out through the 1st valve?

On those tubas, the 5th valve is so far up on the mouthpipe, it's the first stop for all the crud that comes out of your mouth, and not much 'pipe to get in the way.

[tylerferris1213]

Nothing is bent. I take really good care of it. I can try flushing water through it. The last time I had it cleaned was about 2 years back when I took it to a local instrument shop in Findlay. They kindly asked me not to bring it back because of the difficulty they had with the 5th valve. Is there any easy was to remove the valve so I can clean it? I can regular clean and service the rest of the horn myself.

[bort]

If you play that tuba regularly, 2 years is time to get it cleaned again. Not sure where you live, but are there other shops in the area? You own a few of J.c's creations, could you get it to him?

[Lars Trawen]

According to recommendation from Melton/Meinl Weston never oil rotary valves through lead pipe or valve slides.
They if anybody should know everything about rotary valves.

From their home site:
"Rotary Valves should be oiled by applying rotary valve oil at the spindle bearings (under the back cap and under the stop arm) once a week. The moving parts of the Lever mechanisms and Steel Ball linkages should be oiled with the rotary valve oil monthly.
Note: Please do not oil the inside rotors through the leadpipe or the valve slides as this will only wash the slide grease into the valve and slow down the rotor."

In your case, cleaning of the valve is the only way to solve the problem.
After that, brush your teeth carefully before playing. And during the playing, don't eat anything or drink beer or coke, only pure water.
/Lars

[tylerferris1213]

J.c. is my teacher. I thought I'd give him a break from my never-ending stream of questions haha. I oil the spindles only with every other rotary valved horn I have, but this model seems damn near impossible to reach.