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I have a Conn 32K sousaphone with a 1st valve piston in the 3rd valve case. The 1st and 2nd valves are ok and original (stamped with same serial number as on the valve blocks outside). The serial number on the 1st valve located in the 3rd valve case is not the same. The sousaphone is playable, but the 3rd valve is noticeably the worst. I checked the valve alignment from the 3rd valve (by using a dental mirror in the second valve case) and noticed that only the axial alignment is off. Relocating the valve guide would fix that, but that doesn’t assure me that the other ports will be aligned. The valves from a 32K are 100% identical to a 14K so I compared my 1st valve piston to a 3rd valve piston from a 14K. To my eye they look 100% identical except for the location of the valve guide. In that case relocating the valve guide would fix the problem.

But before I do so I want to know whether a 1st valve from a Conn 14K/32K sousaphone is identical to a 3rd valve, except for the location from the valve guide?...to my eye it is, but can anyone confirm?

The short answer is 'NO'. The entry port on the 1st and 3rd valves are different. The other ports should be the same. Therefore... simply moving the key will not gain you anything.

There should be plenty of used pistons around but new ones are still available. The 36K (plastic sousa) pistons will work, too.

goodgigs wrote:I have the exact same problem on my stealth tuba valveset.
If anybody knows where to fet a third valve piston for a Selmer Signet sousie, please let me know.

I need a #1 piston for a Selmer Signet sousa. Find a parts horn and I'll split it with you!

TubaTinker wrote:The short answer is 'NO'. The entry port on the 1st and 3rd valves are different. The other ports should be the same. Therefore... simply moving the key will not gain you anything.

There should be plenty of used pistons around but new ones are still available. The 36K (plastic sousa) pistons will work, too.

Thanks! I will look for a 3rd valve.

You could try Roland de Wilde (http://www.brassatelierdewilde.nl" target="_blank), he might be able to help....

Even though de Wilde has a lot to offer for tubists I'm not sure he has any US sousaphone parts in house. (call him of coarse).

Places like van Gorp, Adams, Muller, vd Glas, Bram Eigenman (to name a few) sell and repair this horns. I'd imagine they'd be a good place to start.

But isn't that 14K on Marktplaats.nl yours? Can't you use that 3rd valve, at least until you find a replacement?

Just a thought.

-Patrick

Wilco wrote:You could try Roland de Wilde (http://www.brassatelierdewilde.nl" target="_blank" target="_blank), he might be able to help....

Thanks, I already did . He was the only one out of three repair shops who replied to my email two weeks ago.
I called him after his reply with several options and he is now checking what a new valve costs. After that I will decide what to do.

pjv wrote:Even though de Wilde has a lot to offer for tubists I'm not sure he has any US sousaphone parts in house. (call him of coarse).

Places like van Gorp, Adams, Muller, vd Glas, Bram Eigenman (to name a few) sell and repair this horns. I'd imagine they'd be a good place to start.

But isn't that 14K on Marktplaats.nl yours? Can't you use that 3rd valve, at least until you find a replacement?

Just a thought.

-Patrick

Thanks. I didn't know Bram, but might contact him for options and prices (half an hour drive from work). I might visit Adams too (half an hour drive from home).

The 14K is mine, but that 3rd valve doesn't fit my 32K without the help of a repairtech.
I rather:
-1- Sell the 14K as it is.
-2- Use my 22K for current gigs (instead of the 32K).
-3- Solve the 32K issue
-3- Sell the 22K
-4- Buy a 20K

I hope to reach option 4

...is that 46K on marktplaats.nl yours?