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Hello,

I have heard many great things about the Alan Baer PVAK kits and have read a number of forums about them, and I've read many good things and I am considering buying a kit. One of the biggest cons I have heard about them is that the PVAK kits can make the pistons louder. Even though a lot of people say that it doesn't get loud enough to effect playing and recordings, I had a question about trying to make them quieter. Is it possible to put something, perhaps sound deadening material right under the valve cap to help keep the noise down?

I have had two sets, the first because I like to try stuff, and the second because bloke was covered up with repair work at the time and didn't want orders for his neoprene washers. If he's back in the neoprene washer business, that is the way to go, IMO. They do the job just as effectively, cost a fraction of the price, and (on the point of your question) are much quieter.

FWIW.

Contra wrote:Is it possible to put something, perhaps sound deadening material right under the valve cap to help keep the noise down?

No. That will throw off the alignment, and defeat the entire purpose of the PVAK. It's not so much "loud" as it is "stiff."

Frankly, for your 1293, I think the stock stuff from Miraphone (which I believe is Neoprene) is probably what you want.

So the stock stuff on my Petruschka wore out after just 3 months of playing! It's the same stuff that's on the 1291,2 and 3.
Apparently, the Germans call it Moosgummi ! What a cool name. My instrument tech has made me my own. I'd marry this guy if he had a nicer car.

By the way, the horn is great. Nothing personal about the pads, Matt Walters!