broken spit-valve spring - big deal?

ecafdrib

Hello fellow trumpeters,

OK.. Yesterday I was practicing my improv abilities and as I emptied the spit valve I felt the spring break. I contacted manufacturer of the trumpet to know which springs to order so I can replace it.

However, the cork still weakly falls back over the hole, just with very little force. I continued playing but then stopped. But I am thinking I can play like this for a few days until the springs arrive. It doesn't seem like a big deal at all. I noticed zero difference in sound and functionality of the trumpet. Am I missing something or is this like not a bid deal at all?

thanks in advance.
~Arty
_________________
Trumpets are very much like jerks, they sound the best when they are muted.
______________________________
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8C2LJ_M0q8&list=PLtEjClG65CHKqJWUHEkssH9uVS8wD6opd

Dayton · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 6:49 am Post subject:

I'd be surprised if some air is not leaking out without the pressure from the spring. You can use a rubber band to hold the water lever in place and make it functional until the new spring arrives. But you aren't going to harm your horn or damage your chops if you live without the spring for a short while given that you don't notice a difference.

ecafdrib · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 6:52 am Post subject:

Hey Thanks, Dayton. I didn't think of a temp fix like the elastic. I have a million of those lying around the house. That should also help.

Regards,
~Arty
_________________
Trumpets are very much like jerks, they sound the best when they are muted.
______________________________
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8C2LJ_M0q8&list=PLtEjClG65CHKqJWUHEkssH9uVS8wD6opd

Brad361 · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:11 am Post subject:

Not to be negative, but those springs can be pretty difficult to install without the proper tool, you might end up taking it by a local music store (hopefully one that sells brass instruments) to have it put on.

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

ecafdrib · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:27 am Post subject:

Brad,

It's funny, in one of the YT videos the guy was like "this is easy just watch." And then proceeded to wrestle with the spring for a full 3 minutes before he got it on.

Well, the springs are cheap enough. I do all my own guitar stuff (mostly) and would like to be able to do trumpet stuff, but if I feel I am just going to make it worse I'll check online for a pro.

Thanks,
~Arty
_________________
Trumpets are very much like jerks, they sound the best when they are muted.
______________________________
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8C2LJ_M0q8&list=PLtEjClG65CHKqJWUHEkssH9uVS8wD6opd

Halflip · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:35 am Post subject:

Andy Cooper · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 9:09 am Post subject:

Uncut new springs are not that hard to install but you might want to find a you-Tube video on it .

Where it gets tricky is re-installing an old spring that has had the long ends cut. There is a tool for that but I have used a piece of very small diameter hobby tubing bent into a "u".

JayKosta · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 9:33 am Post subject:

ecafdrib · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 11:38 am Post subject:

The company hasn't gotten back to me. How universal are these?

https://www.amazon.com/Baosity-Trombone-Trumpet-Baritone-Springs/dp/B07H98R8MK/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=spit+valve+spring+trumpet&qid=1639165102&sr=8-8

I am thinking of just buying the bunch and taking my chances

~Arty
_________________
Trumpets are very much like jerks, they sound the best when they are muted.
______________________________
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8C2LJ_M0q8&list=PLtEjClG65CHKqJWUHEkssH9uVS8wD6opd

cheiden · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 1:30 pm Post subject:

Divitt Trumpets · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 3:18 pm Post subject:

ecafdrib · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 3:32 pm Post subject:

improver · Heavyweight Member Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 1455

Make sure you get the new spring tension exact so it will blow and feel like your old spring. Imo the most under spoken about things is how spring changes can change the whole playability of the horn

Divitt Trumpets · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2021 9:18 pm Post subject:

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6191

You can use a small amount of plumber's putty (does not dry out, pliable, does not leak, easy to remove) to plug the waterkey hole until you get around to installing the new spring.

HaveTrumpetWillTravel · Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2021 12:34 am Post subject:

Those are hard to get back on. I took one off to clean a trumpet I bought and it was almost impossible to get back on. I didn't know there was a tool that repair techs use. I have one that I want to change and will take to a repair tech.

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6191

Use safety glasses!

The tool is essentially a short fork, or a narrow cylinder bored near the tip perpendicularly to the major axis.

Alternatively, for springs that have two straight parallel legs at the end, use the D49 jig made by Ferree's Tools.

As illustrated by Dawkes Music:

Link

As illustrated by Edwards Instruments Co.:

Link

ecafdrib · Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2021 11:57 am Post subject:

Just an update. I ended up getting these ones in the link below. Replacing it was easy in theory but it took me some time to get the pins, holes and spring all to agree and line up for me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085L2JV97?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Thanks everyone!
_________________
Trumpets are very much like jerks, they sound the best when they are muted.
______________________________
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8C2LJ_M0q8&list=PLtEjClG65CHKqJWUHEkssH9uVS8wD6opd