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Mirafone Screws
You see, my tuba and I have gotten VERY close...

Now that we've headed off the inevitable joke, here's my problem:

I've lost a screw from one of the semi-circular cork-holding bumper plates. I'm hoping I can pick one up at an ordinary hardware store, but what size? Eyeball says a mite bigger than 1mm diameter, maybe 3-4 mm long?

The horn is ancient; the serial number is less than 2000, and a list I found dated it back to the mid-fifties(!). It's a typical looking Bb, probably a 186 (how do you tell?) with S-Linkage, so I'm hoping the little screws are standard.

Also, while I've got attention from repair guys... Who has a spit-valve pin screw they could sell me? I've got the spit-valve itself, but the threaded part is broken off the pin.

Thanks- without your help I'm ... screwed.
John Thompson
freebandmusic@lycos.com" target="_blank

In a pinch, a cotter pin can function . Get the correct size that goes through the hole in the part that has the cork, put it through and flare the end. Voila! Also I need a first valve for a J W York and Sons tuba, serial # 16678, diameter .927 or .928. Thanks for your help.

I could send you screws for your bumper plate and waterkey but it's sort of a 'crap-shoot' to think that what fits mine will work on yours. Often screws are changed for one reason or the other. Take one of the other screws out of another bumper plate and try it in the empty hole. If it screws in EASILY, just take it to your neighborhood ACE Hardware and get a suitable brass replacement. You may have to cut the new screw off a bit. Don't use a screw that is too long.

How to easily tell what model Mirafone you have??? Just take a loose measurement of the bell. If it's 16 1/2" or so, you have a 186. If it's a dab over 15", you probably have a 185. It it's a dab over 14", you probably have a 184.