If you have an Amado Water valve (spit valve) make sure you oil it !!

This is a metal mechanical device and when you have metal moving against metal you need to oil these parts. So everytime you oil your valves (whihc is everytime you play your horn) also put a drop in your water valve.

It will save you money down the road and prevent an embarrasing moment if the valve ever gets stuck open during a performance.

Any thoughts on the Saturn Water Keys? I've seen them mentioned in a few places, and it seems to be a good idea, but I've never seen one.

Do you guys know anyone who's used one yet?

Just wondering!

Hi,
I have been reading your posts, you seem to really know your stuff! I have a Conn Single Bb with the serial number E81436 centered on the valve bracing.
I bought it from a student who is upgrading to a double horn. Is this really from 1960? If so, where would you put a fair sale price for it? I know that single
Bb's aren't as in vogue as they used to be.....

Saturn water keys.

I have seen Saturn water keys, but I don't know that they would work all that much better on the horn. Leave them to the trombones. The advantage to Saturn keys is the ability to touch it from any angle. The disadvantage is I understand they are plastic inside and fail more often than other water keys (*note- this is what I hear I have not experienced it myself). Again, I don't think there is any advantage for the horn player.

I install the amado key on my leadpipe backwards from what most other people do. The reason is when pushing the key in the traditional position it pushes the horn away form me. If the button is on the inside of the leadpipe I get a much more secure action and the horn doesn't move.

Two other options you might think about are "JOY" keys and traditional lever action water keys. Many professionals I know use the old traditional lever water key. They are able to drill holes in the end of the lever and connect string up to the first leadpipe brace. Then to empty they just pull the sdtring with their thumb and it opens the valve. No one sees them do this. The Joy Key is a gravity drain system. I have not tried them myself yet but I have a friend who has two installed and she loves it. The place where you would normally put your water key gets a wire mesh type filter. the mesh is tight enoguh that air does nto pass through freely but water/condensation will. Sort of like purifying water through granite rocks. The disadvantage to the Joy Key is the condensation will fall straight down so you will most likely get a wet spot on your pants leg unless you use a towel of some kind.

Oh - important edit/information
if you decide to switch your amado water key around you can't take out the parts and switch them. The holes are different sizes. To switch your amado key around you have to uninstall it and then reinstall it the other way around.