MW Big Valves

rascaljim · Post by **rascaljim** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:05 am

Are all MW Big Valves the same?

The reason I ask is I was messing around with my 2000 and 2165 today and I found something kinda weird. I swapped my first valve pistons on the horns and both horns seemed to respond differently. The 2165 seemed to articulate a little better and my 2000 actually seemed a little stuffier. I'd imagine there's an alignment issue possibly, but I was wondering if the holes in the pistons might be larger on the 2165 for a (possibly, but not probably) different bore size. I'm just kinda taking some stabbs in the dark trying to understand what just happened.

Gimme your 2c
Jim Langenberg

MartyNeilan · Post by **MartyNeilan** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:27 am

Be very careful about switching pistons between horns, or even to other valves on the same horn; it is very easy to score the casings. I am no repairman, but I know that a lot of trumpet players will break your arms if you try to "mix up their valves" like we all did back in Junior High. Something about the tolerances being slightly different for each valve, each valve broken in differently, or whatever. I even know of one trumpet pro who won't even let anybody else play his horns, because he is afraid that as they push the valves down at a slightly different angle than him it will cause an uneven wear pattern - taking this to an extreme.

FWIW,
Marty "who went rotary to piston back to rotary on all his horns" Neilan

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:45 am

rascaljim wrote:Are all MW Big Valves the same?

Edit: Removed the statement superseded by facts.

I agree with Marty that switching valves like that is probably not a good idea. But if the valve fits smoothly without drag, and you have it properly oiled, I doubt you'll do any damage with the experiment. If you feel any friction, though, do not proceed.

Rick "who suggests a check of valve alignment by a tech" Denney

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 12:00 pm

I'd be more likely to suspect an alignment difference; which stop caps did you use after the swap, and have you had the rotors properly aligned on either horn?

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 12:42 pm

Scooby Tuba wrote:The leadpipe of the 2000 enters at a different angle (more from the side) than that of any of the other "big valve" horns (B&S, MW, VMI, etc.). This will makes the ports on the 1st piston slightly different, so you many be introducing a "misalignment" by doing a switcheroo.

Yep.

The Meinl Weston 2000 valve set is unique to the 2000 despite being labeled "big valve."

Steve Inman · Post by **Steve Inman** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:16 pm

At 6' 1" tall, I probably have "average" sized hands (for a 6' 1" tall person), but I found the big valve placement to be uncomfortable. I can't imagine how smaller folks manage this design without developing problems ..... I do like their horns otherwise.

Cheers,

evan · Post by **evan** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:53 pm

bloke wrote: ...and nearly 100% of their tubas have valves in dire need of service.

Is there a particular problem that lots of valves end up with or is this just due to a variety of problems? I suppose this depends on the type of valve...

I guess the recommended regular tuba cleaning should actually be a regular tuba cleaning + valve checkup ?

Back to work,
Evan

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:07 am

windshieldbug wrote:I'd be more likely to suspect an alignment difference; which stop caps did you use after the swap, and have you had the rotors properly aligned on either horn?

?? Aren't the horns in question piston horns?

I'm confused again

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:35 am

Yes, they are piston horns. Some may have a 5th valve rotor.

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MW Big Valves

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