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The silicon bumpers on my Yamaha YBB641 fall off at the worst times--usually during a performance. I've tried securing them with silicon glue, but this seems to make more of a mess than help. I've discussed the problem with other tuba players and they have no problem--they don't play Yamaha though. The metal "retainers" seem better machined on their instruments. Any advice?

I buy really fat neoprene 'O' rings at Ace Hardware and cut, stretch and insert them into the stop plate assembly. They work fine. Also for the more 'proper" oriented techie, Votaw Tools sells bumber material in several configurations. Whatever the source, they do need to fit snuggly or esle they will chatter, rattle or whatever your descriptive sound effect happens to be.

this thread might help:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=37349&p=327248&hili ... ll#p327248

It inspired me to try even less likely rubber hose and it works for me.

Take a q-tip swab and wipe out any oils and residue from that area and wipe off the bumpers as well then install the bumper cord. Oils will do a nice job of helping the bumpers fall out.

I have a strong preference for the silicone bumpers. They are very simple to replace if need be. Get replacement material here:

http://www.dawkes.co.uk/silicon+rotor+b ... tno=grb001" target="_blank

Paul Maybery wrote:I buy really fat neoprene 'O' rings at Ace Hardware and cut, stretch and insert them into the stop plate assembly. They work fine. Also for the more 'proper" oriented techie, Votaw Tools sells bumber material in several configurations. Whatever the source, they do need to fit snuggly or esle they will chatter, rattle or whatever your descriptive sound effect happens to be.

I'm heading to Ace hardware.

edsel585960 wrote:

Paul Maybery wrote:I buy really fat neoprene 'O' rings at Ace Hardware and cut, stretch and insert them into the stop plate assembly. They work fine. Also for the more 'proper" oriented techie, Votaw Tools sells bumber material in several configurations. Whatever the source, they do need to fit snuggly or esle they will chatter, rattle or whatever your descriptive sound effect happens to be.

I'm heading to Ace hardware.

Get the vacuum belts (cylindrical ones, smallest diameter) two pack 3.75. Last you a long time. You have to cut them to the right size but they are not bouncy at all and they aren't very loud. Used em for years.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5rxss ... cslist_api" target="_blank" target="_blank
Half way on my new baby.

My observation is that Bloke is correct, Yamaha cork plates are more semi-circular, meaning they have more of the bumper exposed, and less "pinch" to hold the bumper. I think Yamaha could have machined a better product, I thought the bumpers I was using were Yamaha supplied, but now I'm not sure. Guess I'll try a different material to see if it holds better. Oil does make them fall out too, and it is very difficult to keep oil off them when lubricating the top of the valves. Thanks to everyone who responded.