Cork washers and valve springs for a Martin Committee

brooklyn_brass

Hello trumpeters,
I'm looking for the cork washers for the valve pistons for an early '50s Martin Committee. Thickness looks like 1/16".

I see these:
https://www.ferreestoolsinc.com/products/cork-washers
So will the A14 size work?

What about valve springs? I think mine are OK but wanted to know about replacements. Someone mentioned Benge springs on an old forum post, but I wasn't how to ID them/where to get them.

Thanks.

jeirvine · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 6:51 am Post subject:

I'd like to tack on a similar more generic request for the best source for corks spacers for any trumpet when doing a DIY valve alignment.
Thanks, -John
_________________
1932 King Silvertone Artist Bore
1945 Buescher 400
1946 Olds Super
1947 Olds Super Cornet
1948 Couesnon flugelhorn
1951 Olds Special
1956 Martin Committee
1964 Olds Recording
1968 Bach 329 C
1996 Bach 37

Ronnman · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:01 am Post subject:

First, you need to know “exactly” what the thickness of your existing washers are to find the correct replacement. Alignment of the valves will be affected by the incorrect thickness. Assuming they are in alignment now. Buy a cheap digital caliper and use to measure the existing thickness.

Second, I purchased several springs sets for my ‘54 Martin Committee, including the Benge Springs. The set I like best, I purchased from Josh Landress Brass. Just email him at josh@jlandressbrass.com

The springs measure:
Length 1.300”
Diameter 0.340”
Wire size 0.024”

Ron
_________________
Martin Committee #2 1954
Leblanc “Al Hirt” Model 1966
Olds Custom Crafted Ultra Sonic 1974
Edwards Gen II 2014

brooklyn_brass · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:11 am Post subject:

Thanks, Ronnman. I called JLandress last week, they said "bring it in," washers/felts will cost around $25. I know it's worth their expertise. And I'm a subway ride away.

Ronnman · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:26 am Post subject:

brooklyn_brass - If you are that close, I would definitely bring it in. I would have them do a valve alignment and get the documentation for the washer thicknesses to buy in the future if/when needed.
Ron
_________________
Martin Committee #2 1954
Leblanc “Al Hirt” Model 1966
Olds Custom Crafted Ultra Sonic 1974
Edwards Gen II 2014

Ronnman · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 7:31 am Post subject:

jeirvine - As brooklyn_brass mentioned, Ferrees Tools are a great source for parts and tools.

https://www.ferreestoolsinc.com/search?q=Cork+washers

Ron
_________________
Martin Committee #2 1954
Leblanc “Al Hirt” Model 1966
Olds Custom Crafted Ultra Sonic 1974
Edwards Gen II 2014

Andy Cooper · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 9:21 am Post subject:

This is no longer an issue for the OP but
https://www.jlsmithco.com/product-category/for-brass/parts-for-brass/valve-washers/

Since shipping is about $10, it's not really worth ordering 3 washers. I tinker with different horns so I can usually put together a $20 order of assorted stuff that makes the shipping worthwhile.

Measure your springs - both the length and width. Too wide a spring and you get a lot of spring noise. Too short and you get vibration and spring noise.

There is a store on e-bay that gives the spring measurements. $10 or $11 including shipping.

yourbrass · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 1:07 pm Post subject:

I'll chime in regarding valve springs for a Committee, or any short spring barrel valve. Holton has a spring that Dan Oberloh told me is stainless. I think the Allied part no. is A374. You'll have to get it from a music store or repair person, as they don't sell direct to the public.
I've been using it to great success with Martins, Selmer Paris, Benge etc. It's also good in a Bach or a Yamaha if you want a lighter touch.
_________________
"Strive for tone." -John Coppola
Edwards X-13
ACB MV3C /ACB A1/26 backbore
https://yourbrass.com/

A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2022 2:30 pm Post subject:

If you don't have the tools and knowledge to do a proper valve alignment take it to a good tech. You cannot just buy odd felts and corks and hope for the best.
_________________
"There is no necessity for deadly strife" A. Lincoln 1860

☛ "No matter how cynical you get, it's never enough to keep up" Lily Tomlin☚

brooklyn_brass · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 6:37 am Post subject:

Thanks for the suggestions. I took it to JLandress and got some new felts and corks. Plays well now. Will think about valve alignment in the future.

Divitt Trumpets · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 11:29 am Post subject:

jeirvine · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2022 12:54 pm Post subject:

Halflip · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2022 2:26 pm Post subject:

Regarding valve springs, and in particular valve springs for a Committee, this thread has some interesting information:

https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148205&highlight=steve+winans+magic+springs
_________________
"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)

"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run"