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Today i got a Sonora CC. I really like the sound, intonation, and the fact that it has rotary valves. The fourth is sticking a bit i was wondering if that was the spring, the rotor, or both

goodgigs wrote: Hay, joking aside, congratulations on your new horn !

Thanks. Im asking cause this is my first rotary horn. Im kinda clueless to rotors (unless theyre accompanied by 4 pistons )

It might just need more oil?!

Would your fanny friend be a Featherstonehaugh?

I have played rotary valve tubas for 7 years now and have yet to take apart a valve. It has never been necessary, but if it was, I would take to a professional tech. for help, not start hitting my very expensive tuba with a hammer

Most likely it just needs muck flushing out from the inside of the valve and re-oiling - that is all mine have ever required.

The problems may come from a previous, less than successful, unskilled attempt to disassemble the rotor mechanism. One problem with rotors is that even the tiniest displacement of the bottom bearing may lock up the rotor. This is for trained people to do.

Klaus

The fourth rotor gets the least wear from general playing. However... it's the most prone to make contact with a doorway, etc. I've seen lots of bent fourth rotor stems. As one poster already mentioned... take the linkage loose, take off the stop arm, and see if the rotor spins freely. If it does, your problem is likely the linkage. If not... you might have real troubles.

Congrats on the new horn. Why don't you just protect your investment and enhance your playing pleasure by taking it to a good repairperson and having them go over the horn for you?

jonesbrass wrote:Congrats on the new horn. Why don't you just protect your investment and enhance your playing pleasure by taking it to a good repairperson and having them go over the horn for you?

Sounds like a plan. Thanks all for the advice!