Restringing a Yamaha French Horn

Restringing the rotor valves on a French Horn is not difficult if you follow each step carefully.

Every French horn player needs to know how to restring a rotary valve. Over long periods of constant use, strings on horns break and must be replaced. Since there are least three valves on every model and more on double horns, the necessity of changing a string may come at the most inconvenient time. The ability to restring quickly is very important.

Things You'll Need

• French horn stringing jig
• Screwdriver
• Scissors
• Braided nylon string, 50 lb. test weight
• Cigarette lighter

Instructions

1. Study the pathway for each the string. For example, at one end the string is secured at a hole in the lever. It is then wrapped around the rotor shaft and stop arm where there is a screw. Finally, it passes through a hole at the top end of the lever and is secured by another screw.

2. Use a stringing jig to keep the spatulas in line as unevenness of the spatulas can add unnecessary problems in fingering technique. Tape two Popsicle sticks to the top and bottom of the spatula line as a substitute for a stringing jig, if desired.

3. Loosen (but do not remove) the screws on the stop arm and the lever. Check the screws first to determine if a flathead or Phillips screwdriver is needed. Carefully remove the old string.

4. Cut a string about 8 inches long. Burn one end of the string to keep it from fraying, using a cigarette lighter. On that end, tie a double-knot large enough to prevent it from passing through the lever hole. Thread the string through the hole.

5. Move the stop arm clockwise until it stops at the bumper. Place the string against the rotor shaft so that it goes counterclockwise to it and clockwise under the stop arm screw head. After the string has made a full rotation, tighten the screw.

6. Continue to hold the stop arm against the bumper. Wrap the string counterclockwise around the rotor shaft and thread it through the hole in the top end of the lever. Then wrap the string clockwise underneath the screw head and tighten it. Cut off the excess string leaving about 1 1/2 inches as a tail. Remove the stringing jig and check the action.

References

• : Mike Nye's Musical Instrument Repair