Bach 184ML Trigger Removal

shortymctrpt · Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:59 am Post subject: Bach 184ML Trigger Removal

Hi Everyone,

I have a Bach 184ML that I use in a brass band. I am considering having the trigger removed and replaced with a saddle. I am worried that it will affect the sound or the way the horn responds. Has anyone done this and what were the results?

Thanks!
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Crazy Finn · Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2024 9:12 pm Post subject:

I had my trigger removed and it made the instrument more open and free blowing.

My 184 is a large bore, so... it's a bit too free blowing for me in my current state as a player, now. Back when I played seriously and practiced a lot, it probably would have been ideal.
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zaferis · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2024 5:53 am Post subject:

I had the trigger removed and replaced with a Bach saddle 30 years ago.. I did it so my cornet was set up like my Bb, I didn't like the feel or action of the trigger vs. a saddle.. Was pleasantly surprised that the cornet played more freely, a more warm resonant tome. I attribute the change with the removal of the bracing of the trigger mechanism; my take/no science.
I have found that I like having a crook weight on the first valve slide now that it doesn't have the trigger mechanism - seems to help with notes atop the staff ("A" especially)
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TiredChops · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2024 11:17 am Post subject:

I played a Bach 184 in Brass Band for many years.

I hated the trigger on that horn, I found it really stiff and it took a lot of force to move the slide, so much force that I would bobble the note.

If that is why you want to remove the trigger, you might want to try something else first.

I took my trigger assembly apart and used a pair of diagonal pliers (wire cutters) to cut the spring so that only 1 side wrapped around the support post. That effectively reduced the spring force by 50%

That greatly improved the trigger, and I continued to play the horn that way for another couple of years, until I switched to an Adams CN2 cornet