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I got my hands on an Eb Pan America tuba. The problem is that it seems to tune to 435 with the tuning slide pushed all of the way in. My first solution is to try a different mouthpiece to see how this can impact the pitch. Assuming this won't competely fix the pitch, I would think that the main way to approach a fix is to cut the arms of the tuning slide down. The problem is that the tuning slide is in the leadpipe. It would be difficult to cut an inch or so off each arm without also limiting the tuning ability (arms too short). Is there a better place to effectively cut on this tuba? Anyone have experience with one of these?

Normal wrote:Anyone have experience with one of these?

I shortened the tuning slide in the lead pipe of my Conn Pan American Eb.

I use Denis Wick mouthpieces because of the small shank, but the horn was very flat.

I had to take off so much material that I unsoldered one of the braces on the tuning slide.

1. I used a multi-step, unibit hole-reamer mounted on a flexible shaft to an electric drill to cut away the female portions.


2. I used short tin snips to shorten the removeable tuning slide.

You will create a lot of brass chips, so take out the first valve and plug the hole to prevent the chips from moving throughout the horn. Hose out the chips each time before you reinsert the valve and test the intonation.