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On my F tuba there is a brace on the lower bow that connects to the main tuning slide (I play a MW 45S if it matters). This brace doesn't really have anything else around it and is probably pretty important, but one side has come loose. I have an audition this Saturday and for the next two Saturdays after that for grad schools, and I don't know how to solder. I've been thinking about something like a J-B Weld or something. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help.

I'm more concerned with how it pulls apart when I'm playing because of the pressure from where I'm holding the valves. It isn't much force, either. I'm worried that one of my tubes will get bent out of shape or another brace that's taking the extra slack will break.

TheDancingSousa wrote:I'm more concerned with how it pulls apart when I'm playing because of the pressure from where I'm holding the valves. It isn't much force, either. I'm worried that one of my tubes will get bent out of shape or another brace that's taking the extra slack will break.

You can always take plumbers tape (the stuff that only adhere to itself and doesn'tcome undone by moisture) and secure the brace with that as a makeshift solution until you can get it to a tech. That stuff won't leave any residue that will make the tech'support job more difficult and should help to make the brace stay put and do its job better than it is now.

Ultimately, the best solution is to find a tech to do a quick solder job on it (shouldn't take too long) and then be done with it until the auditions are over and you can spare some time to have everything checked if there isn't am obvious reason as to why the brace came unsoldered.

thevillagetuba wrote:
You can always take plumbers tape (the stuff that only adhere to itself and doesn'tcome undone by moisture) and secure the brace with that as a makeshift solution until you can get it to a tech. That stuff won't leave any residue that will make the tech'support job more difficult and should help to make the brace stay put and do its job better than it is now.

FYI

Try this: http://www.rescuetape.com/" target="_blank

Only sticks to itself. I bought some at a local hardware store

Norm

Reminds me of my days as a HS band director in t he early 70s. McGiver was on TV and challenged many of us to perform on the spot "creative first aid" (I would have hated to call it "repair'.) 'Found objects' would suffice, such as paper clips, band aids, string, rubber bands, scotch tape, even chewing gum (yuck) but it worked for replacing cork.) How many times did a car key serve as a knife blade or a dime for a screw driver? Sure, we did have a proper maintenance kit, but it was usually on the bus, a half mile away in a parking lot and the show was only minutes from starting. (Had someone be carrying the kit, these things would never happen - it's only when you need it) It was then I would hear that mournful cry, "Mr. Maybery, my horn won't play." With a smug air of confidence I would jump into the breech and usually in less than a minute have it "schlocked" back to some semblance of playing condition. Monday meant a side trip to the repairman on the way home.