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Hello all...

I've got a mid-80's King 2341. The thumb ring on this horn is in terrible shape. My thumb will actually have a feeling of numbness and tingling and it's created a callus. I have tried different positions for my right hand but nothing seems to help. I'd like to try a different ring, possibly one that will allow me to adjust and reposition my thumb where I'm more comfortable.

So... What thumb ring would you guys recommend and why? Also, if you've got pics to share that would be great?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Tim

On my orchestral horn, I actually removed the thumb ring entirely, for that reason, and I thought that it was better NOT to use leverage on the valves. Fortunately, I saved it, because now I need it to help horse my horn around.

Any chance just a reposition would help?

trseaman wrote:So... What thumb ring would you guys recommend and why? Also, if you've got pics to share that would be great?

I replaced the fixed (and sharp-edged) thumb ring on my Miraphone with an adjustible model intended for a newer instrument. I got it from Orpheus back in their Miraphone distribution days, but I'm sure the same ring is available as a part from Badger State Repair.

The ring on the Holton isn't in the right place, and someday I'll move it. But I'm kinda used to it at this point.

But it's completely normal to have a callus, even with a smooth thumb ring in the right place.

Rick "not comfortable without a thumb ring" Denney

For a nice big ring, you can't beat the adjustable one that Willson uses on the 3400. It's bolted (with a hex-head cap screw) to what looks to be about a 5/16" brass plate.

You can also use it as a trailer hitch for your boat.

I've played around with the idea of doing a similar thing using astainless steel eyebolt.

windshieldbug wrote:Any chance just a reposition would help?

I know that a qualified tech could smooth out the edge that bothers me, heck even I could do that! I could probably even reposition it myself... I once had a Miraphone 186 that had a nice thick (or round) thumb-ring that I liked a lot. I know other manufacturers have something similar. That's kinda what I would like... I also like the thought of the bracket like on the 52J. Since this would be a custom project, there are just too many good choices...

Rick Denney wrote:But it's completely normal to have a callus, even with a smooth thumb ring in the right place.

Seems like if the ring were adjustable it might not cause a callus. But I guess constant pressure like that will cause a callus anyways???

Chuck(G) wrote:I've played around with the idea of doing a similar thing using astainless steel eyebolt.

I had also thought about SS and not having to worry about silver plating when everything is poshed! The idea never got off the ground though...


Tim

I have always like the old Conn sousaphone thumb rings, but they sometimes don't mount at a good angle. This morning I made a thumb ring out of 3/8" soft copper tubing which is very comfortable:

how olds that tuba...just curious

Funny, I had the same problem with my King 1140. A month after the last I played it I still have a nerve twitch in my right thumb. My YBB-321 just lets that thumb float free.

Hey Tuck,

That's a nice looking avatar!!!

:D:D:D

Another comment about the new King: I love the nice new hard case! My old 2341 has two cases that never get used! It's just too much of a hassle. So of course that means a few more scratches & dings. The new 2341 & case are a dream!

Dreaming about a new one but still love my old King!

Tim

Get one of these--stainless and rated for half a ton:



http://bosunsupplies.com/products2.cfm?product=S0321

Chuck(G) wrote:Get one of these

Okay...

It looked good enough for me!!! My problem is getting the right size. The opening on my King thumb ring is about 1 1/8". So I'm trying to find one somewhat similar. I'm looking at the 4th one down because of its "C" dimension. But the "A,B & E" dimensions are huge!!!:shock: Any larger and I might as well hang it off my towing hitch!!!

Some people have the silver propellers and I'll have a silver tuba back there!

Tim

Yeah, maybe that is a little extreme. Have a look at some of these guys:

http://www.suncorstainless.com/eyes-ubolts.php

I'll bet you could even find one in silicon bronze: Marine supply stores are great places to find interesting hardware.

XtremeEuph wrote:how olds that tuba...just curious

It's not Olds at all. It's mostly a Conn 12J from Abilene. I did some other work on it, which you may have seen here before:
http://www.galvanizedjazz.com/tuba/frugalhorn.html