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Tubenetters, My tuba playing friend passed away and his wife wants to keep his tuba around as a reminder of him, his love of music and the tuba. The horn will not be played and she would like the three piston valves to move, like it did when he played the horn. She has given me the horn to be cleaned.

Knowing that the valves won't be oiled, what do you suggest I do to keep the valves operational? I'm thinking that I will clean it and leave the valves dry (no oil), thinking that old oil might cause the valves to stick.

Any other thoughts are appreciated...

Hi Matt,

First, I’m sorry for your loss.

When the valves on my unplayed horns stick it’s because they’ve dried out. No oil at all would subject the metal to oxidation, and possibly permanent seizing. I’m not an instrument technician, but I’d go the direction of a heavier oil or a light grease to protect the valves, applied sparingly of course. The valves wouldn’t be quick, but they’d be movable.

All the best to you and yours.

Tubachin wrote: ↑Sun Jan 15, 2023 10:03 pm (snip) I'm thinking that I will clean it and leave the valves dry (no oil), thinking that old oil might cause the valves to stick.

This is exactly the right thing to do! I had to stop playing for about three months due to illness and someone recommended that I clean and dry but apply NO OIL. This didn't sound right to me but it was the right thing to do. After my illness the valves were just fine.

All technical parts will last better when well lubricated (except electrical contacts ). Important is to use enough of quality oil after properly cleaning and drying out valves and horn. And if played for a few minutes after some storage time you have to repeat this: cleaning, drying and oiling. This way the valves may be a bit sluggish after a year (or longer), but they will move freely and not seize, what most probably will happen when stored dry for a long period. Same for the tuning slides!

I have many instruments that I rarely play, and like to oil them with Marvel Mystery Oil for long-term storage. It slightly gums-up the valves, making them slow, but they’ll remain lubricated for years, and when you want to play once again, some regular valve oil will bring them right back to snuff.

Here’s a video I did some years back about this…

https://youtu.be/Dcp4O77DfPo

All the best!

Dylan

Thanks for everyone's inputs, much appreciated...