Some Valve questions(involving guides and springs)

[Timmm]

HELLOOOOOO!!!

The valve guides on my Conn 56J are quite loud, and I was looking for a way to minimize the noise. I know you can replace these easily on some tubas, but these ones are metal(I think) and it doesn't look like there is a really easy way to do it.

Can anyone tell me if I can replace the guides on this tuba, and possibly how to if you know.


I also have a MW 2141 with some springs that are more resistant than I would like them to be. I'm not sure if they are the original springs, but I know I can get better ones. I have some good Yamaha springs in my other tuba and would like something like that in this one, but have read before that they don't really fit into the MW 2141. Could I still make the Yamaha springs work, and if not is there another type similar that would fit?


Any help at all would be awesome!

[Chriss2760]

Hey Timmm,
The replacement of valve guides is an easy task for a competant repairman, and a simple job that can go horribly wrong for the tyro. Not only is the finish on your valves at risk, but the pro will fit your guides to the grooves to make sure they match and render a far better end result. If you haven't established a good working relationship with an easily accessible repairman this may be a good opportunity to do that.
Best of luck to you on this.
Chris.

[SousaSaver]

The noise problem on your Conn is a result of your valve guides rubbing against the channel...I think. A good repairman can straighten this out for you. Who do you normally take your horn to?

[Timmm]

I haven't had any problems with it in the past so I haven't really had to take it to anyone, but we have a really good repairman here at the university I attend. His name is Carl Thacker.

The noise is being made when the guides hit the channel. The only problem is they are metal so it is really loud. I'm mostly looking for a way to replace them with something a little softer to minimize the clanking.

[MileMarkerZero]

Your repair guy can get synthetic guides from DEG or Willson. Either way, the holes have to be re-tapped to accept them. While you're at it, get the valves lapped. UMI doesn't do it at the factory. If you get the guides and lapping done, you can probably switch to a lighter-weight spring and make the valves much faster and easier than they are from the factory.

[Timmm]

Thanks for the info. I'll bring the 56j into a repairman.
The springs I'm looking for are for the MW 2141 though.

[Tundratubast]

Timm, Carl Thacker is coming to the Red Wing Repair school to present on low brass this spring. I'd say that would make him a pretty good contact for this issue. Good Luck with it.