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Is there anyone who can post a straight-on picture of the paddles on a 1970's MiraFONE 186 BBb tuba? The reason I ask is that my repair tech wants to replace the badly worn springs but is hesitant to do so if my paddles are custom bent to a different angle than the springs are designed for. He claims they would be no better than what I have if the paddle angles are much off from the factory installation. For example, the 4th paddle is bent at a pretty good angle towards the 3rd paddle and the spring under the paddle is not perpendicular with the rod holding the system in place.
Does this make any sense from a tech perspective? All I know is that some springs are heavier-wound than others and look odd around the paddles.
Thanks!

OK, up front: I have misplaced my digital camera; if I find it, I'll post pix.

Now, on with the post: my paddles are significantly angled for my right hand. The key is to do it by unsoldering the paddles from the tangs and relocating them as your ergonomics dictate. this leaves the tangs straight so there are no issues with the springs.

I don't think I've ever seen a rotary tuba that has all of the lever arms parallel with each other. If I replace springs, I generally bend the springs to match the paddles so each leg of the spring lays along side the bar and rests against the underside of the paddle.

I just replaced a broken 2 valve spring on my Mira. It took 3 weeks to get the spring and it's a lighter gauge spring than the original.

Mister Stone wrote:and it's a lighter gauge spring than the original.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? How do they work?

So far the lighter gauge spring works better and makes for a lighter action. The smaller gauge has an extra coil. The wire for the spring is far less brittle than the older stuff. Very pokie, watch your fingertips.

bloke wrote:I guess someone needs to encourage Walmart to stock those springs, so any of us can go over there 24/7 and pick them up

I'm surprised; winding springs yourself ain't no thang.

My spring was $15 plus shipping. I didnt mind the price, but it took a while to get to me. I used a rubber band attached to the slide pull ring and hooked it on the lever arm. It worked, but was far from smooth.