TubeNet

hey,

My 4th valve linkage snapped today. The threaded part of the rod that connects to joints leading to the paddle is stuck. What do you blokes advise? Thanks in advance for any advice: I'd really appreciate any help.

EDIT:
uhh... The linkage didn't work the initial way I thought. Is there any replacement rod I can pick up in a local shop?
EDIT 2:
I'll be looking for a replacement rod using the removable little nut to judge the thread size. Anyone advise against this?

That's probably a 4-40 thread (yes... the Germans used US threads). You can probably pick up a piece of #4-40 threaded rod at a hobby store that also has radio control stuff that will get you by. I probably have an exact match for that part (used) in my bone pile if you want to wrap up the broken part and send it to me.

I'll get in contact with you if I can't find a properly threaded rod in the next couple of days.
Thank you for your reply, sir!

What Dan said. The hobbyist stores have a wide variety of rods and joints; just take your pieces in with you and have the clerk help you find a match. It's much less expensive than contacting the tuba manufacturer, who probably uses exactly the same parts.

I told this to a fellow player a few years ago who was already resigned to spending big $$ on "factory" replacements. He looked at me in disbelief as I explained. But, if nothing else, his curiosity got the better of him, and indeed he got an entire new set of rods and ball ends for not much more than the famous "factory" replacement part price for one rotor linkage.