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Does anyone know who sells replacement/custom finger buttons. I know about Mouthpiece Express but they said theirs only fit Yamaha tubas. I'm thinking specifically about a 1291"clone" but I have some friends with various other brands of tubas in varying states of repair. They're looking to replace the buttons either for cosmetic reasons or because some are missing.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Pete

ppalan wrote:Does anyone know who sells replacement/custom finger buttons. I know about Mouthpiece Express but they said theirs only fit Yamaha tubas. I'm thinking specifically about a 1291"clone" but I have some friends with various other brands of tubas in varying states of repair. They're looking to replace the buttons either for cosmetic reasons or because some are missing.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Pete

I don't know of anything readily available for the 1291 'clone'.... or any other 'clone' for that matter. I know that the REAL Miraphone finger buttons won't work.

Generic replacements for most any name brand (Conn, King, etc., etc.) can be ordered from Allied by your repairman.

The place to start is to determine the thread that's inside the top of the stem. There are other factors that need to be considered... like the depth of the skirt on the finger button and clearances in the piston top caps. Just because a finger button has the right threads, it may not work.

All that being said.... it's fairly easy to make custom finger buttons once you've decided the thread and configuration. I use solid brass round stock and brass threaded rod. Just turn the button and then tap the center the same as the threaded rod. Solder in a piece of the rod and then finish the cap. 'Pearls' can be made from buttons sold in sewing stores.

I am really not soliciting services here. Thanks, I have plenty to keep my guys and me busy. If you have a local shop with some skills and interest, perhaps they can do the job. Its not real hard to do but it does require some lathe skills and a bit of metal working ability. I am pretty much just repeating what Tinker has posted. For fun, I have included a few pics taken during the last set I made for DP's Holton 345. Maybe the pics will help anyone interested in persuing such a task. Good luck.

















Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works

Is there anything you CAN'T do?

The finger buttons for JinBao tubas are readily available - in fact listed in their catalogue. I have some on order and can send you on arrival - just PM/email me.

I use Yamaha valve buttons on my Gnagey tuba (King valve set) and they work fine.

BRSousa wrote:Is there anything you CAN'T do?

Anything's possible... given enough time and money. I'd be afraid to guess what those fingerbuttons would cost!

TubaTinker wrote: I'd be afraid to guess what those fingerbuttons would cost!

Don't be Dan. The buttons I made for Dale's Holton were included in the project at no additional cost to him. Hey, he is a great guy and a friend. Plus, I feel his horn is very special and to lavish such additional details on the tuba (to my mind) were the proper way to go. MIrafone? MW? JIMBO!!!!buttons of a classic 345CC tuba made for Mr. Jacobs? I don't think so! Hell, that was only a tiny thing considering all the other work I put into such jobs. Still, its where the hand comes in contact with the valves and I like that to feel as nice and comfortable for the player as possible.

Typically a custom made set like that would run about $380. Thats not bad considering the cost of the pearl blanks I purchased. Finding 1/8 inch thick pearl slab that is in 1 inch squares is a bit of a challenge. Cutting it into discs can be a little risky but the quality of the material is very high and its iridescent color is first rate. The thickness insures that the buttons will last a very long time. This sort of product is completely custom made, one off for a specific project. Think of it as custom made wheels for a high end auto restoration.

D. C. Oberloh

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RRW wrote:http://www.thebandroom.biz/01_item_action.php?id=1214" target="_blank" target="_blank

I have ordered from this place before with less-than-stellar service. Took about a month and several phone calls to get my order shipped....and they still screwed it up. I am hoping the service is much better now.

As for finger buttons, I'd like to get bigger ones for one of my Holton Eb's. The buttons on one of them are like trumpet buttons - too small. I like those King buttons, but the threading doesn't fit my horn. Would I have to get a repairman to drill out the stems to fit bigger buttons? Or are there larger buttons that fit old Holton tubas?

tooba wrote:.....I'd like to get bigger ones for one of my Holton Eb's. The buttons on one of them are like trumpet buttons - too small. I like those King buttons, but the threading doesn't fit my horn. Would I have to get a repairman to drill out the stems to fit bigger buttons? Or are there larger buttons that fit old Holton tubas?

The 'cheapo' generic fingerbuttons for Holton tubas/sousaphones have #6-36 threads (yeah... it's an odd size)... are slightly smaller in diameter (.681 dia) than the Kings... and have a shorter skirt. I'm guessing that any repairman who deals with Allied will sell you all you want for $5 or so (maybe less) each. Of course... if they have to order them you'll probably have to pay a like amount for two stretches of postage.

The Allied part number is A-329 (A-329S for silver).

And... yes, you could drill and retap your stems #8-32 to fit King finger buttons but make sure you have the clearance for the longer 'skirt' or you'll be making spacers to extend your current stems.