2nd Valve Bottom & Top Cap Stuck on my Brand New Trumpet

Kemet · New Member Joined: 09 Feb 2019 Posts: 3 Location: Kemet

The title is pretty self-explanatory. My brand new trumpet came in the mail on Friday and the top and bottom caps on the second valve are stuck. The other caps come off with ease. Are there any home remedies for getting them unstuck? My second valve goes down very slowly. When I oil it through the bottom, there isn't much of a difference.

Harry Hilgers · Heavyweight Member Joined: 16 Jun 2015 Posts: 637

Brad361 · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:38 pm Post subject:

What is the brand? If by any chance it’s a 150.00 ebay special, this would not surprise me.

If it’s a decent or better horn I would hope a local music store tech could get them removed.

Brad
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval

Kemet · New Member Joined: 09 Feb 2019 Posts: 3 Location: Kemet

JayKosta · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:46 pm Post subject:

How strong are your fingers (seriously) - and don't use any tools.

If you have finger strength to open a really tight new bottle of ketchup (glass with a metal top), then you should be able to loosen the valve caps. If you doubt your strength, maybe ask someone who's a little stronger ... but again, NO tools, just fingers.

The slow valve might only indicate a need for cleaning and fresh valve oil. If there is a feeling of rubbing or roughness - that's bad and probably returning it or taking to a repair tech for inspection would be proper.

Is the horn from a maker that has a telephone or email 'contact us' facility - if yes - then do that.
If it's a bargain priced no-name brand, then hope for the best ...

Jay
_________________
Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

Dayton · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:48 pm Post subject:

I'd suggest that you contact whomever you purchased the horn from, explain the problem, and see if they'd be willing to pay for a local repair technician to fix the problem (or if they'd prefer the expense of you returning the horn).

Most likely it is a very quick and inexpensive "repair" that will not mar your horn in any way. I had this happen once. The tech loosened the caps in a matter of seconds, swapped the second and third valve caps and that permanently fixed the problem.

Good luck!

LittleRusty · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:50 pm Post subject:

Crazy Finn · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:59 pm Post subject:

HERMOKIWI · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 2581

It can help a lot to wear leather gloves when you try to untighten them by hand. I agree that you'll probably damage them if you use a tool of any kind. If you can't loosen them by hand find the strongest person you can and have them try. It's just really a matter of whether enough force can be applied. Some people are a lot stronger than others. Just stick with doing it by hand.
_________________
HERMOKIWI

Alsorann · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:40 pm Post subject:

Amazon has a great return policy. Lose that sucker and get somebody to help you buy a decent, used student horn.

Harry Hilgers · Heavyweight Member Joined: 16 Jun 2015 Posts: 637

Louise Finch · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:29 pm Post subject:

zaferis · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 3:46 am Post subject:

Brad361 · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 6:05 am Post subject:

JayKosta · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 7:09 am Post subject:

But first be CERTAIN that there will be a 'full cash refund' for the return - especially if you have to pay the return shipping fee!

Or, the seller might insist on sending you a replacement. If so, demand that it be in good playing condition and that the seller pays all shipping costs.

Before doing anything, check the 'fine print' about Amazon return/refund policy to understand your options.

Jay
_________________
Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

Brad361 · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 3:00 pm Post subject:

Depends on whether it was a third party seller, but I’ve had no problems ever with a return to Amazon. If the seller tries the replacement thing, be firm in that you want a REFUND. I have had sellers want details, pictures, etc. Just refuse, many of these guys don’t want to risk their standing on Amazon over one return.

And OP, you DON’T want a replacement!

Brad
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval

shofarguy · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 5:30 pm Post subject:

Take out the pistons and caps from the other valves. Put the horn in your freezer for an hour. Take it out and run hot water over the caps ONLY. Take a leather strap or some other thing to encircle the knurling and twist them off.

Might work.
_________________
Brian A. Douglas

Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet in copper
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn in copper

There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.

yourbrass · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 5:44 pm Post subject:

Brad361 · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2019 6:20 am Post subject:

WFUnix · Veteran Member Joined: 14 Aug 2003 Posts: 433

Rubber jar openers will likely allow you to remove the caps if you decide to keep the trumpet. They are cheap. After you remove the caps, put some slide grease on them and gently work the caps up and down the threads.