Posted by Joe S. on October 05, 1999 at 23:11:17:
In Reply to: Valve Noise posted by JD on October 05, 1999 at 22:11:13:
Piston systems need to have the felts below the finger buttons AND the felts below the top caps replaced every few months, because they become compressed, hard, and noisy (almost like wood, rather than soft felt).
Of course there are the "Did-you-remember-to-plug-it-in?" type issues like making sure everything is screwed down tight.
Regarding valve guides:
+Brass guides are trouble-free, but make a little bit of noise as the pistons slightly rotate sideways, particularly as they begin to wear.
+Nylon guides are almost silent, but are related sometimes to minor problems.