Posted by Joe Baker on December 04, 2002 at 19:19:07:
In Reply to: Clogged 20J posted by SHS Tubamaster on December 01, 2002 at 19:23:22:
I'd start by taking some long, flexible probe (a cable, a wire, heavy duty weed-eater line, etc.) and try to run it from the tuning slide to the bell. If you don't hit something, then the earlier observation about the valves is likely correct. If you do hit something, you should be able to use the amount of the probe that went in to figure out where the obstruction is (remember to trace the OUTSIDE of the bends when figuring the location). If it's not too far in, you might be able to use a plumber's snake to remove the clog. If it's past the top bow, I'd suggest you get thee to a qualified repairman, before you make matters worse.
Joe Baker, who used to find AMAZING things in his sousaphone when it was left on a sousa-chair in the bandhall.