STARTIST Felt Stem Washers vs A81 Felt Valve Washers

The STARTIST pack is a cheap, generic cotton washer set that fits most student trumpets and cornets, and it is the sensible pick if you just need spares for a school horn. The A81 is 100% wool felt cut to a precise 1/2 inch outer diameter, and it is the better part for a serious player or a repair bench. Owners of wool washers report quieter, smoother valve action that holds up longer than cotton, but the A81 only comes in dozens or hundreds and in four colors, so it is overkill for one instrument.

• Choose the STARTIST pack if you want a small, simple set of white cotton washers to keep a student trumpet or cornet playing.
• Choose the A81 if you want dense 100% wool felt washers for a pro horn or a repair shop and can use dozens at a time.