RainX For Problem Valves

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RainX

Some time in every trumpet players life they will run into valves which do not function as they should. They may go down but at times will not come back up.

Here is a solution to the problem which I have tried and most recently been reminded.

I’m starting to play a new show in Branson and I decided last week to switch to a different trumpet than I have been currently using. For our Branson Trumpet Ensemble concerts, I prefer my Bobby Shew horn but decided to get a little more edge for the new show and brought out my older Yamaha ML for the occasion. It had not been played for a few years and I was amazed that the valves were working well after being left in the case for this length of time. I hit the valves with oil and it was back in business. For a week I had been using it and decided to clean it before our first rehearsal. After a complete cleaning, I noticed that the third valve was sticking and remembered that it had that problem the last time I used it. I also remembered how I solved this problem. I treated it with an application of RainX.

Most of you will be familiar with this product for it is available in most discount and auto stores and is used to help keep your windshield clean when using your windshield wipers.

The last time I used it on my third valve I remembered that it solved the problem so I took out the third valve to reapply the RainX again. I noticed that the valve was in the same condition as the other two valves which confirmed the fact that the first application did not harm the valve in any way. On with the RainX and back to practicing again. The valve was restored to working condition again and all is well in my trumpet life.

If you are faced with a problem valve, you might try this trick for it has now proven itself twice.

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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2 thoughts on “RainX For Problem Valves”

  1. Dean Martin

    Did the Yamaha have monel valves? With monel valves, I never seem to have sticking problems.I have a friend that bought a China baritone. I wonder if the RainX trick will work for him. Thanks for the tip. I will let you know if he tries it.

    • Bruce Chidester

      The reason this trumpet has valve problems is that I bought for my son when he was in high school many years ago and I played it for many years after that. It has never been completely cleaned and that is the reason it sticks.

      As far as the euphonium is concerned, I’m sure the RainX would make an improvement.

      Thanks again for stopping in.

      Your comments are great to read.

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