Posted by Ken Herrick on June 23, 2001 at 20:47:25:
In Reply to: Stuck Mouthpiece posted by Justin Beish on June 23, 2001 at 20:00:40:
Justin,
Beware!!!!!!!!!! If this is REALLY STUCK, err on the side of caution or you could have an expensive repair bill. I have seen many mouthpieces ruined by people trying to twist the mp out with a pair of adjustable jaw pliers - that's if they are lucky and don't break a solder joint and end up twisting the whole lead pipe!
As far as I would advise going is some penetrating oil left to soak in, applying some heat with a heat gun to the receiver- not a torch unless you are experienced with using one on brass instruments- being careful not to get it so hot that you melt solder or burn lacquer, then bently tapping with a rawhide mallet on the rim of the mp in the direction you want it to go. You MIGHT get lucky.
THe best bet is play safe and take it to the repair shop. $5 or $10 or even $20 would be a lot cheaper than a new mouthpiece and or lead pipe.
There are some pullers available fairly cheap. Recommend you get one if possible. Even then, if it doesn't come out fairly easily, take it to the pro. You never know WHAT can be causing it to be jammed.
Good luck!