How to Put the Valves of a King Mellophone Back in the Right Place

King also manufactures trumpets.

Mellophones are brass instruments commonly used in marching bands. King is a popular brand of brass instruments. French horn players typically play mellophones, since marching with a French horn is difficult. Like any valved brass instrument, proper valve alignment is key to a functioning mellophone. If the valves have been removed and are not replaced correctly, no air will be able to pass through the horn and it will not be playable.

Things You'll Need

• King mellophone
• King mellophone valves

Instructions

1. Look at the valves. Stamped into the metal near the top of the valve you will see a number. Slide the valve numbered "1" in the first casing closest to the mouthpiece and tighten the top by turning it clockwise.

2. Place the one numbered "2" in the second casing, and "3" in the third. Some valves require you to line up grooves on the valve casing with a ring on the valve in order to make them fit.

3. Turn the valves until you hear or feel a click with each. Then attempt to blow into the horn. You should not feel any out-of-the-ordinary resistance. If you do, the valves are not aligned and must be manually aligned.

4. Remove the side that connects to the first valve. Press the valve down, and turn it until you can look into the slide casing and see the holes in the valve. Repeat with the second and third valves.

5. Replace all slides, and test your mellophone again. The air should now flow freely.

References

• Trumpeter's Fanfare: Trumpet Maintenance
• Horn Matters; Playing on Piston Valves, a King Mellophone, and the IYM; John Ericson; May 2011