Piston Tuba Gig Bags

Wes Krygsman · Post by **Wes Krygsman** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:15 pm

Is it ok for the gig bag to keep the valves depressed while in the bag? As in, all 4 pistons pushed down. Simple question, hopefully there are simple answers. Thanks in advance to all who reply.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:23 pm

Yes,and it's probably better protection for them to be down all the time to protect the valve stems.

Pure Sound · Post by **Pure Sound** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:27 pm

Would it damage the springs if they are pushed down like that for long periods of time??

JCalkin · Post by **JCalkin** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 7:39 pm

Pure Sound wrote:Would it damage the springs if they are pushed down like that for long periods of time??

Just how long are you leaving your horn in the bag? Shouldn't you take it out at least once in a while to practice?

Sorry... couldn't resist....

In all seriousness, I'm sure it's fine to leave them that way while in the bag. Compensating euphs have that little swing arm to keep the side valve pushed in when the horn is not in use, right?

My altieri bag came with a velcro-on pad that's intended to keep the valves pushed in during transit, and I've used it for years with no ill effects.

Tubaing · Post by **Tubaing** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:15 am

Pure Sound wrote:Would it damage the springs if they are pushed down like that for long periods of time??

Something has to be damaged: Springs or cork and/or felt.

WakinAZ · Post by **WakinAZ** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 2:11 pm

I agree with Mike, anything that reduces the profile of the valves lessens the chance they will get run into something (like a door jamb). I tape the valves down with electrical tape and take out the springs when shipping a piston horn.

It will wear the springs at a probable unmeasurable level. Springs are cheap anyway, compared to valve/stem repairs. Front piston valves in gig bags make me nervous regardless, but I'm a nervous kind of guy...

Eric "who prefers hard cases whenever possible" L.

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 4:22 pm

WakinAZ wrote:It will wear the springs at a probable unmeasurable level.

Nah. If springs were likely to "take a set" then they are already close to yielding and would not survive one good practice session. Cycling the stress would have a bigger fatigue effect than a constant stress.

I've seen 100-year-old springs that were fine.

Some posted a while back the notion of taking off the button and valve cap, and putting the spring between the valve cap and the piston for long-term storage or shipping. That will hold the valve down.

Rick "noting that fatigue causes cracks, not softening" Denney