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I just wanted to know more about the old school rotors. Was there a reason they aren't used anymore? Is there a design flaw? Would there be any drawbacks to buying a tuba with them? I saw an old Meinl Weston on ebay with them that is in my price range for my first tuba and I thought I'd look more into this system of rotors. Thanks guys

Clockwork rotors can be very quick and quiet if they are in good shape. Dunno why they aren't as popular - I like 'em I guess regular spring-loaded rotors with uniball linkage are easier to maintain/get parts for/last longer

Does anyone make clockwork rotors anymore?

I don't think anyone has since the 60s or 70s. My school has a Mirafone old enough to have the F instead of PH and it has clockwork rotors. Then my friend has a Miraphone thats 10, 20 years newer and it has the uniball linkages. I have played the schools Mirafone, and I would agree they play faster and with less noise than the BBb rotorary I'm playing on right now. I think something about the uniball linkage made clockwork obsolete, but what?

I like the clockwork rotors very well . had two horns with them and never had a problem out of em

Thank you! I've been reading those comments on the functionality of the c'works and s-linkages. I have an old Mira 185 with those, and every time I ask to get it maintained, "they" tell me to replace them with ball linkages. The horn has a history with me and I don't want to chop it up. . . Now, every once in a while, I read that they just need the right adjustments. Who could do that??

Maybe clockwork is harder to adjust than uniball linkages?

Clockwork springs are not a problem to work on. I don't exactly work on them daily but I do see my fair share of them. Another term for that type of spring is 'constant velocity'. Properly setup they are very smooth and reliable. Actually... I think you can still get them on some of the genuine European horns. The Asians haven't copied them yet!

Thanks for that bit of info. Do you know why they are less popular nowadays? Maybe uniball linkages are just faster to produce or something?

Tubamax7 wrote:Thanks for that bit of info. Do you know why they are less popular nowadays? Maybe uniball linkages are just faster to produce or something?

I suspect that systems with torsion springs and ball links are more universal and easier to manufacture and assemble. In my opinion... the old 'S' links and clocksprings are quite adequate for any type of playing by any level of player.

Thanks again. By the way, this is the tuba i mentioned at the beginning of the post. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Meinl-Weston-5- ... 1452364%26" target="_blank

I probably can't buy it right now, but it peaked my curiosity in the past few hours.

I know of a company that is bringing back the clockwork rotor. Gemeinhardt, a company that is known for their flutes, has started making tubas as well (in all 4 keys). The BBb, CC, and Eb models have 4 pistons, but a clockwork rotor controlling the fifth valve. They sound pretty good.

Oh. Well what is the difference between the old s linkages and today's uniball linkages?

Tubamax7 wrote:Oh. Well what is the difference between the old s linkages and today's uniball linkages?

From the perspective of a repairman... I prefer the old 'S' linkages. They seldom cause any problems as long as they are lubricated regularly and almost never break.

I've had to repair LOTS of unibals!

Are we not confusing springs and linkages?

Clocksprings are fine, but a bit more tricky to adjust.

I find S linkages noisy when they wear. Same with metal ball linkages, bit they are easier to replace. I'm going to have a go at Rick's DIY linkages. I suspect they will be quiet as they use plastic receivers for the balls. Plus, it's a much cheaper option.

I never tried a tuba like the one linked to by the OP, so I have no idea how it plays.

But from a technical view it has the interesting feature of a dual purpose 5th valve.

When the front loop is involved in the routing, then the valve lower the instrument near 2 whole steps or a minor third if the 4th valve is already pressed.

When the front loop is shunted off, then the lave lowers the instrument 1 whole & 1/4 step or a whole step if the 4th valve is already pressed.

Klaus

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/brass-in ... a-bbb-tuba" target="_blank

Cerveny makes one?

tubacody wrote:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/brass-in ... a-bbb-tuba" target="_blank

Cerveny makes one?

I was wondering about that. Does anyone know if Cerveny still makes clockwork rotors (paddle/spring/'S' linkage assembly)? I'd buy some for an old tuba I have to keep with it's vintage 'look'. The clocksprings & 'S'-links are very worn and pretty much shot on that tuba.

tooba wrote:

tubacody wrote:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/brass-in ... a-bbb-tuba" target="_blank

Cerveny makes one?

I was wondering about that. Does anyone know if Cerveny still makes clockwork rotors (paddle/spring/'S' linkage assembly)? I'd buy some for an old tuba I have to keep with it's vintage 'look'. The clocksprings & 'S'-links are very worn and pretty much shot on that tuba.

Chances are a repairman who is versed at fixing the older clockspring and 'S'-link mechanisms can make yours work like new. It's an easy matter to remove the assembly from the horn and put it in the mail.

Some posters are getting the spring mechanism mixed up with the linkage system. Linkage (S-arms, uniball, etc) connect the action of the fingers on the paddles to rotation in the rotor. The spring mechanism (clockwork or open) returns the linkage system back to its starting position. They aren't the same thing but you may not know that kind of thing unless somebody tells you.