Why does Edwards use Axial Flow Valves?
In the world of large bore tenor and bass trombones, valves are a big factor in determining the sound and response of an instrument. Using the Thayer valve, Edwards has always pioneered improvements in valve technology. Our competitors have tried time and again to improve upon the original design, yet the Thayer remains the industry standard as the other valves come and go. In order to understand valves you must first examine the tubes leading in and out of the valves. Conventional rotor designs direct the air 90 degrees to the right and then through the wrap before the air bends another 90 degrees into the neck pipe. This second 90-degree turn is achieved only if the valve knuckle is set correctly. On certain trombones the knuckle comes in straight from the top (parallel with the neck pipe), which causes the air to bend 180 degrees. This creates a major pinch in the air stream that changes the horn’s resonance in the valve register. This brings us to an essential point — the most impo
