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I really wish there was a way to trial a set of MAW valves. I know they aren't a magic bullet that will solve all problems, but I do wonder how they'd impact the low range and flexibility on my Eastman 836. I just don't want to blow 1250 if I end up not looking them out not thinking they make a prototypical level of difference, ya know?

There are enough 836 around. Perhaps find someone that has one with MAW valves, offer to buy them a meal to play test their horn with the MAW valves and the stock valves.

Will that tell you exactly how they’d do in your horn? Nope, but would give a pretty good idea of their affect without asking to stick their fitted valves into your casings.

There's a healthy resale market for these so you can either find one to trial/borrow from a seller or make most of your cash back if you buy and don't like

Pay a visit to Martin. That’s the best way.

Love the set in my 2165.

Wanted to love a set in my 2141, but they didn’t fit right, so I sold them. See that saga in my 2141 thread.

Sousaswag wrote: Wed Mar 25, 2026 5:04 pm Pay a visit to Martin. That’s the best way.

Also a 28 hour round-trip for us New Englanders, so it may be the best way, but it’s definitely the longest way!

Sousaswag wrote: Wed Mar 25, 2026 5:04 pm That’s the best way.

The expressway is the best way.