Olds valve switcheroo Ambassadoe Special

conn53victor · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:17 pm Post subject:

Can I use Ambassador valves in a Olds Special? I bought an eBay olds Special that is very breathy. I haven't found any other leaks so I wonder about the valves, and the switcheroo would be one free way of testing.

Does vintage matter? I have two Ambassador trumpets to match up with the 1950 Olds Special. Are trumpet and cornet valves the same? Will these questions ever end?

Jim

radiobob · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:45 pm Post subject:

Well, don't hold me to this, but I read an interview with one of the designers that was with Olds in the 50's and he said all the Olds horns used the same valve cluster, from the Ambassador on up. He even said there were no significant differences in any of the horns at a basic level, just different bell materials, triggers added, more engraving. So I'm guessing they will work, but I guess you just have to try it and find out. Also, cornet valves are bigger and longer than trumpet valves so they won't interchange. If I can find that intervies I'll post it.

Bob

_Happy Canuck · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:36 pm Post subject:

Just checked my 'Official Olds Parts Catalog',

Ambassador = Special = Studio = Super = Mendez trumpet valves

Cornet valves don't fit trumpets.
_________________
Bill

Olds Mendez, Recording, Super, Special & Ambassador trumpets/GR Butcher 65.6M
Olds Opera, Ambassador Shepherds Crook cornets/Sparx 4B
Olds L-12 Flug/GR Butcher 65.6FL
Schilke MII trumpet/GR Butcher 65.6M

djm6701 · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:58 pm Post subject:

You can certainly switch the valves around. You may need to get them lapped as the new valves may not match the casings exactly.

Glad you are enjoying your catalogue, Bill

_________________
Dave M.
Richmond Hill (Toronto) Ontario
Kanstul WB1600, 1952 L.A. Olds Recording, 1975 L.A. Benge 3x, 1960's Olds Flugel, Yamaha 631 Flugel

GR 65.6 Mouthpieces
a jazz.fm member