How to Oil Mellophone Valves

When you spend a day on a hot marching field, your mellophone's valves will become slower. Learning how to properly lubricate the valves will extend your horn's valve speed and accuracy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mellophone
• Valve Oil (recommended: Al Cass, Blue Juice)
• A clean, soft cloth or soft tissues

1. Set your mellophone down carefully where the horn will not fall or be damaged. It is recommended that you do not set the horn in your lap as you may get oil stains on your clothes.

2. 
    
   the top valve casings

   Unscrew the top valve casings. These are NOT the very top pieces of metal that your fingers rest on when you play (they are located underneath). Unscrew only one valve at a time, so you do not get them mixed up.

3. Before completely removing the valve, check for a number. Each valve is labeled either 1, 2, or 3. The first valve is generally located near the mouthpiece, and the 3rd is towards the bell.
   
   Notice which side the number is facing. It is crucial that, when you put the valve back into the valve casing, the number is facing this way. If you see a '1' facing you, make sure it's still facing you when you put it back into the horn.

4. With the soft cloth (recommended) or soft tissue, wipe off any excess gunk. This gunk may make your valve move slower. If there is a lot of gunk (either black or green, or any bits of food), you should rinse this off with lukewarm water and if necessary, mild soap. Wipe the valve completely dry.

5. Using just a few drops of oil, start at the top and release the oil, making sure you get the oil all around the valve. Also make sure you are doing this over your cloth - NOT your clothes or a fancy rug.

6. Replace the valve, making sure the number is facing the way it was when you took the valve out. Not sure? Remove one of the other valves and check which way the number is facing.

7. Repeat this process for the rest of the valves. Make sure that when your done, the screws are completely screwed back on. If you don't, you may have a clicking noise when you play.

Tips & Warnings

• Oil your valves as often as they need to be oiled.
• Make sure to ask your band director, if you have never oiled your valves before.
• Beware of over-oiling your horn - it may drip oil for a few seconds afterwards, and you may end up with oil on your hands.
• Wash your hands afterwards.