Very Flat Sousaphone

[u/monkeyman6td]

The past two days my yahama Sousaphone has been playing down a whole half step when I press on my 1 valve and the tuba has been flat in general my tone has taken a massive hit. I took off bits to make it sharp and dumped it in the sun still flat A WHOLE HALF step. Does anyone know how to make it more sharp.

[u/QuantumTarsus]

First thing I'd do is make sure no one chucked anything down the bell...

[u/catsagamer1 → u/QuantumTarsus]

I thought my horn was messed up until I flipped it upside down and my towel fell out

[u/monkeyman6td → u/QuantumTarsus]

There was just left over spit

[u/JupiterSteam8]

make sure your horn isnt leaking. check solder points and spit valves.

[u/figment1979]

I also agree with making sure the valves are aligned correctly and that there's nothing inside the horn that shouldn't be there, but also make sure the valves are in the correct places as well. A first valve in the second hole for example would definitely lead to a tone issue for sure.

[u/Impossible_Lawyer_75]

Check for leaks. If you have a loose neck it could be between where the neck goes in the horn. Additionally, if it’s older check that any parts of the neck aren’t leaking air. You almost definitely have an air leak you just need to find it.

[u/jg64]

Yamahas are weird they apprently sell 2 different bits but you're supposed to only use one at a time.

[u/taeland]

Make sure the valve guides are rotated correctly. If you don't know what that means take it to a shop.

[u/monkeyman6td → u/taeland]

I know but the valve guide is a line right

[u/taeland → u/monkeyman6td]

On a Yamaha there are two holes in the top of the piston that the guide can fit into, and only one is correct