Venting Piston Valves

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tubatodd
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Venting Piston Valves

Post by tubatodd »

I am interested in having the pistons in my Besson 995 vented. I feel it would make slide adjustments easier. I would be able to make slide adjustments in anticipation of or after pressing the valves.

What are the negatives of piston valve venting? The rotors on my Rudy are already vented and I like that.


Todd Morgan
Besson 995
Rudy Meinl 4/4 CC
Mr. P 5.0
Misfituba64
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Re: Venting Piston Valves

Post by Misfituba64 »

Factory-vented valves can be an excellent feature. However, having valves vented by an inexperienced repair person can be risky. If you choose to go that route, make sure you work with someone who has real experience and knows exactly what they are doing. Another option would be to contact Besson directly and ask whether they can factory-vent a set of valves and buy them.

Vented valves will not necessarily make playing easier or improve overall performance. Their main benefit is reducing some of the popping or pressure noise that can occur when moving slides. The biggest potential downside is having the work done improperly by someone who lacks the necessary skill, which could damage the valves and make them leaky. It is worth thinking through carefully and proceeding with caution.
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tubatodd (Mon Apr 13, 2026 9:27 am)
PlayTheTuba
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Re: Venting Piston Valves

Post by PlayTheTuba »

Had a colossal brain fart, I have now read your post extra carefully.

Warren Kus is a fantastic person reach out too, assuming Buffet-Crampon (MW/Besson/B&S) is willing to make and send vented valves from factory.

BUT

Baltimore Brass as of March 31, 2026 is an extension of the Buffet Tuba Showroom! I haven't seen it announced here on TubaForum.net.



If you contact either good sir Warren Kus and/or Baltimore Brass and don't mind sharing, do let us know! Or you have a repair tech vent them, please share and let us know!
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