TubeNet

The first valve of my Sterling compensating euphonium is "sluggish" compared to the other ones. Valve is clean, no damage, lapped, etc. etc.

Would venting perhaps be helpful? If yes, what would be the best spot to punch the little bastard?

Thanks for your advice.
Hubert

Maybe it's worth pointing out here that venting is done to facilitate slide pulls while the valve is not in use. It prevents the little 'pop' when you press the valve after moving the slide.

It should never have an appreciable impact on how the valve moves.
Done incorrectly, it might cause a bur on the inside of the valve that adds resistance to valve movement.

The posts above mine have good starting points if the valve is sluggish.



I'm not a repair tech, but I did play my Tuba last night.

Thanks a lot for your advice and help. I have already made some progress using the advised measures.
Hubert

My first valve on my Yamaha tends to get sluggish before the other ones. I always assumed that it was because more dirt, dust, grime etc can get in through the lead pipe.

When it gets sluggish, I clean the leadpipe. I also coat the valve in dish soap and work it up and down a couple times, I find that more effective than using a valve brush.

Also, don't pick up your euphonium by the first valve slide. It might add torsion to the first valve casing.

PMeuph wrote: Also, don't pick up your euphonium by the first valve slide. It might add torsion to the first valve casing.

I figured out I was making this mistake with my tuba when I first bought it. I used the 1st valve circuit (because it's easy to grab) to rotate and lift the horn out of the case before transitioning to a more secure position. It wouldn't do permanent damage, but it did make the 1st valve sluggish for a few minutes at the start of each rehearsal/performance. Now, I make sure I'm not touching the valve loops as I lift the horn out of its case. No more issues there.

Check the holes that run top to bottom through the piston and the hole in the bottom casing cap to make sure they are clear.

Right, Bloke, the euph was not used for some time before it came into my hands.
Cleaning the casing indeed did problems disappear.
Thanks,
Hubert.