2341 action needs help!

[Alex F]

read this thread:

viewtopic.php?t=15063&highlight=king+2341

[Bill Troiano]

I don't know about the noise, but as far as sluggishness, I take out the valves, spray some WD40 on them, let them sit a minute, then wipe them off really good with a clean rag or old t-shirt. Then, I oil them with whatever valve oil I have at the time (usually ZaJa lime) . They seem to work very well after that process. With the noise you might want to look into nylon coated springs. Yamaha makes them.

[JayW]

Greg,

Where are you located? PM me

[billeuph]

The 2341's vary quite a bit, it seems. My valves have been great since new- never had a sticking problem or slow action. They are noisy, though. That can be fixed by replacing valve guides and adding pads on the valve springs. It's on my to-do list.

I play with a total of 5 other 2341's. Only one has had the valve sticking problem. His problem was a common one, I'm told. The very top of the valve protruded a bit and had to be sanded down.

The water draining problem is a common complaint. It's easy enough to learn how to deal with it. The main hiding place for water is the outlet of the 4th valve, which has a low spot that likes to fill with water. It isn't easy to drain, but a quick flip so the lead pipe points at the floor while holding down the 4th valve flushes this spot nicely. It's a good idea to take out the mouthpiece before trying this.

It's a great horn for the money, but it isn't perfect.

Bill Anderson

[iiipopes]

Ah, as I did in high school briefly, as they were purchased just before I graduated, you, too, will learn the "King Spin" to get the water out, to the amazement of your colleagues, the anxiety of your parents, and the mixed dread and opportunity of all musical instrument repairmen.

[Wes Krygsman]

I have a King 2341 that I got in 2002 or 2003 and I have had some problems with the valves sticking...that is until I took it to Matt Walters at Dillon's to work his magic with. After he took care of the valves, I haven't had one problem with them and I love that tuba even more.

While I think King/Conn/Selmer has had quality control issues, I feel I got a good one and after playing around 20 or so of these new kings since I've purchased mine, I know there are good and bad ones out there, and I'd recommend these tubas to anyone or wants to stick with BBflat. Just be more selective next time. Remember, the valves can be fixed, so pick the one whose sound you like best.