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Upon receiving some new valve guides for my 1261 via Dillons, I realized it may be tricker that I thought to get them on.

Miraphone pistons (at least newer ones) seem to have some sort of metal piece holding down the valve guides. How can I remove that, and then get it back on?

My advice, with respect, is if you don’t know or can’t work it out then leave the valves alone and take the instrument to a competent repairer. If the guides are worn their may be other service issues.

Here is how to do it.

1) Remove (un-screw) the valve stem from the valve. Use sommth jawed pliers or live with plier marks.

2) From the side of the valve, put a small flat screwdriver under the remaining guide and gently pry up.
2a) Put Band-Aid over area where you jabbed yourself with the screwdriver.

3) Pry the brass washer out from the inside of the nylon guide.
3a) Treat any new wounds.

4) Fit nylon guide into the piston.

5) Force the brass washer into the center. Tap with rawhide mallet if necessary
5a) Take pain killer for hammered thumb, etc.

6) Screw in valve stem.

7) Trim valve guide with a file until it just works. Scrape and clean off nylon debris before inserting valve in the casing.
7a) Have someone drive you to the ER if you insisted on using a razor instead of taking your time with a file.

Oil up your horn and enjoy it!!

Matt, I LOVE your medical advice. I have always wrapped a cloth around the valve stem, or even knurled valve caps, before putting pliers on them to minimize marking.

Looks like I'll be having boat loads of fun with this "simple" repair...

This ordeal ending up ending well, but took a lot more time than it needed to.

Anyone familair with these style of valve guides knows what I'm talking about. The sanding is the most tedious part. Why does Miraphone make just that one size, and then force the consumer to sand them, instead of making horn specific guides?