20J vs. 20K short action tuba valves

[Timswisstuba]

20J tuba valves are bigger than the 20K sousaphone valves. Conn still makes the 20K sousa so they still offer replacement valves for the sousa.

However, am I correct in understanding that since the 2XJ tubas are no longer in production that replacement valves are no longer available from Conn and/or Allied?

Is it still possible to buy replacement valves for the 2Xj's?

Thanks for your "short action" responses.

[SousaSaver]

It is no longer possible to buy 2xJ pistons from Allied. I want to say that the bore size is different between the 2xJ and the 20K, but I am not 100% sure.

[Dan Schultz]

It is no longer possible to buy 2xJ pistons from Allied. I want to say that the bore size is different between the 2xJ and the 20K, but I am not 100% sure.

Yes... the bore size (among other things like port orientation) are different.

I don't know if they still have any. But... I was quite surprised a few months back to see some #2 20J pistons 'pop up' on Allied's price list. Craig Anderson at Allied has been known to do some 'dumpster diving' and turns up new old stock and good used stuff once in a while. The folks at Allied do A LOT for the repair industry and could use a little praise. They don't sell direct to the public but any repairman worth his salt certainly knows about them... clap, clap, clap!

[SousaSaver]

Piston on the left is 20K. The one of the right is 20J.

[SousaSaver]

Ian -

The NON close up picture has the pistons with the guide pin in the same position for each piston and they are both number 1. This is another reason that they are not freely interchangeable.

I second Dan's internet high five for Allied. Craig is a terrific help.