Horn plays great sharp

Bryant Jordan · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:07 pm Post subject:

Would it be a mouthpiece gap issue if it's the tuning slide that I'm finding a huge difference with? I've tried the 'paper' test with mouthpiece gap, and didn't notice nearly as much difference as when the tuning slide being pushed all the way in.

Steve Hollahan · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:17 pm Post subject: Tuning Slide sharp

Get a reversed Tuning slide. No gap at critical point. Also, install Amado w/key.

I cut off w/key nipple and use a cork w/key smashed into it to fill gap.
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Steve Hollahan
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Andy Del · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:23 pm Post subject:

Maybe consider this. If the horn doesn’t play to your standards at A=440, then it ISN’T a good horn. There are enough examples of poor playing Bach’s out there to confirm this may be the case. If, on the other hand, it’s almost a non-issue, then the best thing to do is go back to your studio and practice on the horn!

Cheers

Andy
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Bryant Jordan · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replies.

The horn plays great as it is. Better than anything I've tried honestly. It's just that it plays a little better with less tuning slide gap.

MK Drawing and Bending are going to be sending me a 6" yellow brass tube that I will cut accordingly.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about cutting it? My tuning slide is pulled out currently 5/8ths of an inch.

LittleRusty · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:58 pm Post subject:

Dale Proctor · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 2:53 pm Post subject:

If the inserts seem to cure the problem, you could always have a good tech remove the inner slide tubes and replace them with longer ones to match the length of your slide + the inserts. That way, you won’t have to worry about stuck inserts down the road, and you (or the next owner) can easily shorten the slide legs in the future if needed.
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LittleRusty · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:08 pm Post subject:

lipshurt · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:09 pm Post subject:

Use the 2 inch abrasive wheel chop saw from harbor freight or similar vendor. The saw is about 50 bucks but very good to have and it cuts tubing real nice.
Make the inserts 3/8 long
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Winghorn · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:20 pm Post subject:

I used inserts in one of my horns years ago.

To remove them, find one of those trumpet valve cleaning rods that has a slot in the end for threading a cloth. They used to come with new Bach trumpets. Thread a strip of cloth through the slot the same width as the insert (you will have to experiment to get the right length).

Wind the cloth around the shaft to a thickness that just fits into the slide receiver. Once you have the wound cloth inside the insert itself, rotate the shaft the other way to bunch up the cloth and cause it to grip the insert. You can then pull the insert out.

Brass repairman extraordinaire Robb Stewart gave me this tip and it always worked as long as I occasional removed the inserts so they didn't seize up.

I would certainly recommend continuing to use the inserts rather than cutting up the horn!

Steve

JayKosta · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:34 pm Post subject:

For cutting tubing, the best tool is a small copper plumbing 'pipe cutter' - just the small one that is designed for working in tight spaces is fine, check Lowes or Home Depot. It leaves nice smooth edges and cuts straight. Don't fool around with hacksaw or cut-off wheels - they'll just make a mess of it.

I recall some inserts being made with a small hole drilled in the side of the insert so an angled 'o-ring pick' (or bent coat hanger wire) could be used to reach in and snag the hole so the insert could be pulled out.
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Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
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LittleRusty · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:47 pm Post subject:

Crazy Finn · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:49 pm Post subject:

It's odd that these threads generally seem to involve a Bach....

(or is it...)
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Dale Proctor · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 6:12 pm Post subject:

LittleRusty · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 6:26 pm Post subject:

Winghorn · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 6:45 pm Post subject:

[quote="Bryant Jordan"]
Thanks for the replies. The horn plays great as it is. Better than anything I've tried honestly.
....]

Yeah, it is funny that these threads generally seem to involve a Bach!

JayKosta · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2021 5:31 am Post subject:

Bogey Factory · Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2021 10:35 am Post subject:

Bryant Jordan · Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 8:34 pm Post subject:

Update:

MK Drawing is sending me a pipe. I got a tool that I'll use to cut it (carefully), and I'll post my results once I do.

claf · Regular Member Joined: 01 Oct 2017 Posts: 48

Regarding tuning slide inserts, the XO 1600i (Roger Ingram) is sold with 2 sets of inserts (and the rod to remove them) for this exact purpose.
I never tried them on mine, but it seems possible that the gap created when pulling the slide would create turbulences.
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