Although I suspect that the molecular structure of the metal itself is
not affected by the cryo process, I believe there are quite plausible,
non-bizarre explanations of why the horn might actually play better
after having this done:
1. The freezing process may loosen up some stuff that wouldn't come out
with a normal room-temperature cleaning. A lot of substances basically
turn to powder at those temperatures. This (or just a good cleaning in
general) could explain why some players report a more resonant horn.
Even a thin film of gunk on the inside of the horn is going to absorb
some of the energy of the sound wave.
2. The contraction of the metal during freezing might force solder
joints, slides, valves, etc. to realign slightly into a more correct
position than they might have been in leaving the factory. This would
explain the "old horn feel" that some players claim to experience
afterwards.
Linda
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