wunks Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Has anyone had success straightening valves in situ? Heat, weight, added moisture or a combination? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill N Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 (edited) If the leather is still reasonably supple I've had some success with dragging my fingernail or a small slot-head screw driver blade down the centre of the valve from the glue spot to the tip a few times. I support the underside by sliding a thin shim (usually a single edged razor blade) under the valve, so that I'm not pushing it into the slot. Edited August 6, 2023 by Bill N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted August 6, 2023 Author Share Posted August 6, 2023 (edited) That sounds reasonable. Maybe a little more pressure to create an embossment, with a small roller like a mini pizza wheel only not sharp. Edited August 6, 2023 by wunks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.elliott Posted August 7, 2023 Share Posted August 7, 2023 As a temporary fix, stretch the valve using a needle to spear the tip (gently) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerT Posted August 7, 2023 Share Posted August 7, 2023 (edited) To soften them up I sometimes pull them off, soften by manipulating them (rolling up in both directions, gently scraping with a metal blade etc) an d then glue back on. It's quite difficult to get at the valves inside the chamber and only takes a moment to pull off and refit. Or I pull off and glue on a new one. However, this can alter the tuning and alter the reed behaviour if the valve doesn’t open properly or lets in less air etc…so beware. Normally I fit valves before any tuning for this reason. Edited August 7, 2023 by RogerT 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now