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Hello.
I’m wondering what advice folks might have to quiet down some noisy valves. The instrument is a wonderful 1923 Besson Enharmonic euphonium that I’m quite smitten with, and the valves operate fine for my level of playing - they’re just noisy. I’m using Monster ‘Smoother' valve oil (their thickest). I’ve read about and seen the following and am wondering what folks have had success with -

-Replacing the metal guides with nylon ones
-Replacing springs with coated one (Mead Springs?)
-Wrapping the bottom of the spring with thread
-Putting a gasket/washer in the bottom valve cap to add some cushioning

If you have a fix you’d recommend that requires parts, a supplier in the States would be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks so much for any ideas and suggestions

Replace those valve guides.

I’m having that done with my Holton 340, which has top mounted metal guides.

The other thing about springs - if they’re rattling/scraping on the casing, replace them. Those Mead springs sure are around, but the Yamaha springs work just fine.

If you haven’t had it cleaned in a while, do that. When felt gets soaked, it doesn’t cushion nearly as well.