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Try using Conn Formula 3 Slide Cream. Dilute w/ water for maximum effect (or just practice to get things moving)...

Whenever I bought my new CC last November, I had the same problem. After using slide grease and valve oil for a couple days, the problem was no better; so I took it to my local Tuba repair guy (if you live in mid-Michigan go to Chris Rausch-E. Lansing) to have a look at it. After making sure the slides were properly alligned, he took this neat little 'tool' that expandes the outside of the slide and things moved much more freely. Hope this helps.

I had the same problem. The first valve slide was the only one I needed to move while playing. I took my new tuba to an excellent repairman (Jim Becker at Osmun Music), and had him to lap the first valve slide and vent the first valve.

The result was that the first valve slide is now easy to move, but it also stays put. I can do fine adjustments of the feel by varying the lubrications. With the first valve vented, I can move the slide easily with the valve actuated or not.

As Bloke points out, there can be a few causes of the valve slide not moving easily. The best solution is to tell a good repairman the result you want, and let him figure out what to do.

Allen Walker

If the tubes aren't out of alignment etc., and you are an adult who owns the instrument, you could wrap the slide in cloth, put it in a vice and gently sand the tubes with fine emory paper. Cut it into strips about a half an inch wide and rub it around the tube (kind of like drying your back off after a shower. . .). Be careful, you can always take more off but you can't put it back.

RyanSchultz wrote:..... you could wrap the slide in cloth, put it in a vice and gently sand the tubes with fine emory paper.

I have a hunch Bloke ain't going to like that suggestion, either He prolly just fell out of his chair

Told ya so

Can someone describe the technique used by a repairman to unstick a stuck slide? Or do they just pull really hard, hope they don't hit anything, and then repair any resulting dents?

nice

It works for me. . .

jacobg wrote:Can someone describe the technique used by a repairman to unstick a stuck slide? Or do they just pull really hard, hope they don't hit anything, and then repair any resulting dents?

We own a few tools made specially for pulling slides. However... if we tear something up, we generally know how to fix the resulting damage