Beginner trumpet trouble

[Master.America]

Alright... 100% trumpet newbie here!

When I first got my trumpet, all three of the valves were sticking. This means use valve oil, right? Well, I got myself some valve oil, oiled it as I was instructed, but since then, I haven't been able to get any air through the trumpet. It feels like it's stopped by something, as though I put one of the valves back in wrong or something. I've taken them out and put them back in countless times, but I still can't figure out why I can't get air through it. What happened?

[pinoysax]

just keep on experimenting...air was block... what's the trumpet's brand? got on ebay?...

[saxmanandrew]

make sure all the numbers on the valves are facing forwards. Sometimes when you screw them in they get twisted. one way to tell for sure is try blowing a C. if it wont blow but first finger down. if it blows then it is that valve that is backwards. repeat for each valve until you can blow a C freely. otherwise take it to your technician.

Cheers

Andrew

[jaysne]

Yes, you should check to make sure the valve numbers are in the right place, which usually means facing forward (toward the lead pipe). But the good people at Conn decided to be clever and put their valve numbers on the other way, so if it's a Conn, make sure the numbers are facing toward the bell.

If that doesn't work, you may have something stuck in the tubing. Get one of those trumpet snakes, give your horn a bath, and probe its innards. You never know what you may find.

[paul.trumpet]

If you have 1-2-3 pistons in the right casings, check they are rotated the right way around in the locks (can you spin the valve buttons...)

Take off the 3 valve slides and look in the holes (might need a torch for long third).

When you push the valves down, the holes should line up with the valves.

If still no airflow - take to music shop!

[JButky]

Sounds like the valves are in wrong. Numbers face differently for some brands. Some valves lock into place in only one place, other in 2. The fool proof method if there are no #'s on the valves and you need to get it right is:

1. Take all three valves out.
2. Start with the 3rd valve casing. Drop any valve in, turn to lock it in place. Blow air through and check for unblocked ait flow in both the up and down position.

3. When you find the right valve, repeat the above steps next with the 2nd valve casing and then do the first valve casing last. That one's easiest, there's only one valve left. You only have to get the position right if it clicks in on two sides...

The air flows from the 3rd into the 2nd and finally the 1st. If you can do that you'll always get them right, even if your blind!...

Joe B