How to fix a trombone?

KirriePete · How to fix a trombone?

Looking for info/advice from the serried ranks if I may.

Number 1 son (KirrieDave) closed a deal on a Conn 88H trombone last night, keeping a bit of dosh back for essential repairs. The instrument is 3 years old and hasn't been used for the last 18 months, so the trigger valve is firmly stuck. His brass tutor has suggested a place in Edinburgh for repairs (Stringers I believe), but I'd like to find somewhere a bit closer if possible, so:

(1) Does anyone know of a good brass repair bod in the Dundee/Perth area?
(2) Has anyone experience of stripping/repairing the trigger valve on a Conn 88H, and can they give me a step-by-step guide?

Any info appreciated.

General Melchett

Yes I do, firstly however............

Is it a rotary valve? Hopefully Yes!

If so, take off the rear rotor cap (should be a screw thread)
Check if the rotor is aligned properly?
There should be a little notch on the inner rotor
and a 'V' on the outer - hopefully the inner notch falls within these guidelines?

If so, hopefully the rotor hasn't had a knock, because if it has you're shagged!!!

Stick the trombone in the bath for an hour with some hibitane (available from a chemist) and let it soak. This will help loosen it - and get rid of any germs that the previous owner may have left.

After an hour get it out and dry as normal.
Care for the slide as you do.
With the trigger end - dry carefully and add plenty of oil and leave again

Come back in the morning - does it work?

If no - gently grasp the spindle and see if you can persuade it - GENTLY

If still no - undo the linkage remembering how to re-assemble!
Try and take off the top cover cap.
If this is out of your depth.....

Try: Stewart Benzie on 01738850700
He lives in Aberargie
Come off the M90 just south of Perth
Head under the bridge to your east
Straight along the road
First (?) left Aberargie

He is a fantastic brass repairer and FAR better than the scheisters in Stringers - Don't go there, they charge a fortune!

Any snags Pete - PM me and I'll help you out

Cheers,

KirriePete

Thanks Jos - will give it a go

General Melchett

Just found this link:
http://www.osmun.com/reference/Rot_Maint.htm

Have a look at the layout. In general be gentle yet firm. It should shift after a soak in the bath and then a really good dousing in oil and left. You can even lube it up with WD40 to shift it - IF you do however, clean it through afterwards!!!!!

Good luck Pete,

KirriePete

Ah bugger - looks like that's another pint lined up in front of you, Jos!

Valve freed up this morning after a wee bath in HiBiSol solution (hibitane for the masses - why didn't you tell me the 'bone had MRSA?

) followed by a drop (just one!) of light hair clipper oil - very thin so it can work into tight spaces - followed by gentle but firm application of the pliers.

It turns easily enough, but to my engine-tuned fingers the bearing still feels a tad dry, so (last question, honest!) what oil do you recommend in the spindle and down the tube? That factsheet talks in terms of Trumpet Valve oil and so on, but what are they really? I've got all sorts of lubricants (steady!) from the afore-mentioned hair clipper oil, through 3-in-1 and various engine/fork oils up to Hypoid gear oils (EP90 on the trigger joints) so surely something from my garage would do the job?

Cheers again mate - looks like it's gonna be a whole bottle of Pussers at this rate!

Aaron Aardvark

I always use this......normal oils can be smelly and gunky.

http://www.karacha.com/product_in...=cedb45edd7bb61a5e24d1e299b9039db

Aaron Aardvark

This is the valve oil.....wrong page before......however the other stuff is good for bones too.

http://www.karacha.com/product_in...=cedb45edd7bb61a5e24d1e299b9039db

KirriePete

Good man, errr 'vark! Mined ewe, I'd offer a pint for the info, but as you're deep under cover it would be a major breach of PERSEC, so just get Deli to give you an extra smooth Aardvarse polish on the house!

Aaron Aardvark

KirriePete

So the car bonnet polishing attachment on his drill didn't work out then?

Hornblower

Back to thread and to add my tuppenceworth - Blue Juice is the the stuff for me.

And good on ya Jos for explaining the intracacies (!) of the rotary spindle. I tried it once - but it didn't matter too much if I botched - pusser owned the hooter...

sticky blue

Was that another S126 Mr. H - ???

Hornblower

Indignant:

"What do you mean - another?"

sticky blue

:smt046 :smt046