There is really no physical damage that can be caused by pulling or pushing the slides while not depressing the keys. Certainly the air pressure generated is not enough to cause leakage of air no matter how often you do it. However, the problem is, when you *pull* the slides without depressing the keys, you do create quite a bit of suction. Sure it will pull some of that thick oil in, but it will also pull in french fries and hamburgers and soda and anything else that might be floating around in the instrument. Usually this isn't a BIG problem, but it can be a problem nonetheless with high-tolerance valves. If you have any metal shavings, etc inside the instrument and you suck those into the valves - expect big trouble!
The pushing of valves in without depressing the key is not a big deal at all. It does kind of "flush" the instrument and flood the surfaces with lube. Personally, my trick to keeping the valves lubed and quiet is to use just shy of an insane amount of oil on a daily basis. My Lawson is around 5 years old. I recently took it back to Walter for a minor repair and he had to remove the valves. When he did, he asked me "Have you actually PLAYED this instrument over the past 5 years?" He was referring to the fact that my valves looked exactly as they did the day he sent it home with me. I attribute this to the slightly insane levels of oil that go into my horn - it keeps them clean and free of corrosion. I just wouldn't advise emptying it on your carpet!! Cheers- Jeremy message: 2 date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 23:16:38 +0100 from: "Graham Jarvis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> subject: [Hornlist] Re: The proper way? Hi again. Thanks for the responses. my concern was not with the oiling but with = the technique he uses, pulling and pushing the slide without opening the = valve. I've always understood that the slides should only be moved with = the valves depressed - to avoid creating hihj (or low) pressure that = might lead to leaky valves in the long run. I'm no expert - and I have = been long enough on the list to respect those of you who have backed up = the advice in the video. I guess I can relax and pull out the slides = without having to think about holding the valves down at the same time. Regards, Graham ------------------------------ message: 3 date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:24:22 EST from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subject: Re: [Hornlist] Re: The proper way? I've been assured that the "dangers" of pulling slides without depressing the valves has more to do with the sanity of the teacher than with the instrument. Certainly a roomfull of kids popping slides during a rehearsal must be infuriating and any tale which stops them doing it is a winner as far as I'm concerned. If your students won't practice, tell them that the noises they make will make their pet kitten shrivel up and die - it might work! Cheers, Lawrence _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
