Valve options

[bubba7753]

I have an original thayer valve attached to my current 42B. Is there anything newer out there that will blow easier and less stuffy. The valve is detachable and when I put on the straight gooseneck it plays alot better. Any guidance is appreciated.

[BGuttman]

Have your valve checked by a good tech. It could be leaking or just have bad alignment. An original Thayer should be very free blowing.

[Burgerbob]

An Instrument Innovations axial is a relative easy replacement for a good tech, if the old valve is totally out of spec. But I would clean and oil it first, it may just be dry and dirty.

[bubba7753]

Thanks for your help!

[Jimkinkella]

A Thayer on a 42 should play great, and definitely open.
I personally really like that combo.
I second (or third) taking it to a good tech to check alignment and valve / tubing / attachment condition.
Have them scope out all solder joints and the tuning slide, and possibly disassemble / reassemble.
Make sure it's a quality shop / tech because a complete investigation and any remedies need to be super precise.
If the valve is completely worn out the Instrument Innovations axial will plug in, or for a change the Hagmann, Rotax, and Latzsch are all fun options.
Some people are big on the Meinlschmidts, but it's not my favorite.
Personal caveat: I've found that convertible horns just prefer to play better either straight or valved for me, it seems to be a quirk particular that individual horn. So it may take a bit of work to make a valve work correctly for you if you like the horn straight. My opinion only...

PS: the M&W valves are great, and Matt does solid work, another a-list option!

[brassmedic]

Thayer valves are not stuffy. It is the most free blowing valve you can have. Maybe what you really want is more resistance. Resistance can make it easier to play. Try out horns with different valves and see which one you like. Don't assume "open" is the best fit for all players.

[tbonesullivan]

Has the F side of the horn always felt "stuffy", or is this something new? If you have a misalignment or air leak, that can cause it to feel "stuffy" because it doesn't resonate the way it should, and you have to put more energy in.

[bubba7753]

Thanks all for your help. The stuffiness is not on the valve side but when I am not using the valve.

[ithinknot]

Thanks all for your help. The stuffiness is not on the valve side but when I am not using the valve.

There are other possible explanations, but that sounds like the open position is misaligned. Super simple.