Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Please listen to the attached audio files.

 

I’ve come across this a few times over the years and it is still a mystery to me.  I get a “blurpy”, raspy sounding low note only on the pull (outside chambered reed).  Valves are new maybe 5 years ago and look great still, reed is the perfect fit into the wood….  tongue gaps are fine…  What am I missing?

 

Has anyone heard this before?  What is the solution?

 

 

 

.

Posted

Ooh is it indigestion?,🌝

Maybe it is vibration of reed that will go in time? I had similar in past and it gradually stopped after while .. someone else will no more technically I am sure.

Posted

Valves look good, flap up and down fine, are not curled…  

 

The Instrument hasn’t been played in a while.  

 

Maybe things need to just loosen up again.

Posted

Brand new well fitted valves can still burp. If in doubt pull it off and try a different one. There are quite a few posts on this forum about the subject.

Regards

Tiposx

Posted

Sounds like the valve is bad. Replace the valve that is in the same chamber as the note you are playing.  Even new valves can make this sound. Sometimes we have to try 4-5 valves before we get a quiet one.  Low notes are particularly prone to this. 

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

Ok. Sounds like the jury is back and it’s the valve that is the culprit.

 

I wish I knew better exactly why the valve acts like this and causes this sound when it looks perfectly fine.

 

I will try a different valve.

 

Thanks.

.

Edited by 4to5to6
Posted (edited)

What is a good source for pneumatic leather preferably in North America but anywhere is fine?  

 

I have a number of spares on hand but I think it’s time I built some different size valve punches and made a good selection to keep on hand of different sizes and thicknesses.  This would help with this type of problem and also help to do voicing.

 

Thanks again 😄 

.

Edited by 4to5to6
Posted (edited)
7 hours ago, Chris Ghent said:

Valves.

 

Columbia Organ Leather. 
https://columbiaorgan.com/shop/

The CPL Extra Heavy goes a long way to solving most problems. It can help to stiffen it by wetting it and ironing it dry if it is for a very low note.

 

I was searching as well and could only see CDL in extra heavy duty.  Screen capture below.

 

I never got to the check out level or even to the prices but not sure Columbia Leather is an option as I don’t need 6-10 sq ft typical hide size and need to get a number of thicknesses. I am sure this would be very expensive.

 

Is there another source in smaller quantities?  Say about 1 or 2 sq ft of 3 or 4 thicknesses?

 

I own everything from a piccolo to a G bass (leather with mylar supported valves) but mostly play my amboyna tenor treble.  The immediate need is for a few low notes in a very very nice golden era tenor treble Aeola that I want to soon sell but need it to be perfect first.

 

IMG_1503.thumb.jpeg.cb506ea83d259bbea2ece2efd3c481ba.jpeg

Edited by 4to5to6
Posted

Changing valves would be the place to start.  Very important that your valves are centered over their slots. 

 

And while the chamber valve is off view the push reed from the chamber side just to make sure the push reed is centered while snug in its slot.

 

Columbia leathers are the go to source in the U.S.  There are other, less dependable, sources of hair sheep leather, so occasional searches and keeping your eyes open can pay off.

Posted
20 hours ago, 4to5to6 said:

Please listen to the attached audio files.

 

I’ve come across this a few times over the years and it is still a mystery to me.  I get a “blurpy”, raspy sounding low note only on the pull (outside chambered reed).  Valves are new maybe 5 years ago and look great still, reed is the perfect fit into the wood….  tongue gaps are fine…  What am I missing?

 

 

When the valve looks good closer inspection can reveal that it is slightly arched lengthwise leaving a small gap under the centre of the valve.  This can be enough to produce the noise you describe.

Posted

Thanks Greg.  I’ll search around.  I was resisting making valves but will make up a bunch of punches.  It’s time.  Maybe a few of us can go in together and get a few hides.

 

I’m still enjoying that model 14 56B baritone G to G treble I got from you a few years back. Ends were replated and wood work French polished. It looks and sounds amazing. I was told I would most likely find a purple unicorn first but you came through. Thanks again.

Posted (edited)

Thanks Theo.  I’ll check the valve again.  Interesting that the valve would make this sound…  Maybe the two reeds / two valves are interacting in some way.

 

I am searching for sources of pneumatic leather in small quantities.  I will punch out my own valves.

Edited by 4to5to6
Posted

I actually hand-cut my valves with fine scissors instead of punches with no issues. As far as the buzzy valve, I found this problem with the largest valves in my baritone and added what I call "dampners", stiff bristles of metal or synthetic, glued with a small leather dot on the base of the valve and running the length of the valve. It bends enough to sound properly but constrains any excess movement that might cause "flutter" as well as slapping when the valve closes on such a big opening.

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 account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...