The Thayer Axial-Flow Valve has become a popular replacement for the traditional rotary valve found on tenor and bass trombones with single and double attachments. Invented by Orla Ed Thayer and introduced in 1976, it has proven to be a great advancment in brass instrument technology. Many people believe the Thayer valve invention to be the most significent advancement in trombone design since the rotary valve was added (creating the F attachment) in the mid-1800s.

   One would think that a person capable concieving of such an invention of this magnitude would have made millions. Sadly though, this has not been true for the Thayer family. Many legal issues and other unfortunate events took place that have brought about great financial, as well as personal stress. Various business associates have taken advantage of the Thayers, as did some of those they had asked for help.

  This website is intended as a tribute to Ed Thayer, the inventor of the Thayer Axial Flow Valve. Ed has made a great contribution to the world of brass playing, and brought fresh thought to instrument makers everywhere about the acoustics of brass instruments.

Marcel Schot,
webmaster@thayervalve-tribute.com