TubeNet

Yo.

I recently purchased an old style (2-piece bell) King 2341. I love it. Been really enjoying it. Thanks, Yorkaholic!

Anyway, I've got a few questions I'm hoping to get some feedback on.

1) Gig bags - Has anyone used 64-MSK Gard bag for their old-style 2341?
http://www.wwbw.com/Gard-Mid-Suspension ... 70703.wwbw" target="_blank

My horn stands just over 40" tall and the bell is about 19.25" (straight bell).
Any first hand experience regarding these horns and specific gig bags would be greatly appreciated.
I've searched the forum a bunch but most of the info I found was regarding the new style, 1-piece bell 2341s which are quite a bit shorter than the old ones.

Oh, and I know, Glen can make me a very good bag. Just not sure I can justify the allocation of funds. But I might.

2) Valve springs - I'd like to see if the valves would tolerate lighter springs.

Recently I've seen these recommended:
http://www.wwbw.com/Allied-Music-Supply ... 37216.wwbw" target="_blank

Also, it seems like both Yamaha tuba and euphonium springs come recommended.
Any experience here? Are they available in sets of 4 anywhere (I've only found them in 3s)?

I'll have some other questions to throw out there soon but any advice on these 2 would be greatly appreciated!

I recently bought a Wessex gig bag for my old-style 2341 and it fits like a glove. The tuba is right at the very max dimensions for the bag, and it was a very tight fit until the bag "broke in" a little bit, but since my previous gig bag (which I sold to Yorkaholic, small world) was way too big, a tight fit was what I was looking for. Here's the one I got, can't say enough good things about it:

http://www.wessex-tubas.com/gig-bag-for-54-tuba/" target="_blank

I use Yamaha Eb tuba springs in my Kings.

Can't offer any advice on a gig bag.

I agree with Dan on the springs. He put the Yamaha Eb springs in my horn when he worked on it and I love them! They're a perfect combo of "lightness" and strength.

I tried Yamaha euph springs first, but they were just a little to "soft" in that the piston would kind of bounce around on the upstroke.

I had a King 2340 with upright bell and it fit kinda loose in a bag that was for a Mira 186.

I had some Yamaha euphonium springs in the 2340 and in the Olds 099-4 I have now. Quite pleased. Light and fast.

I've bee using a Protec bag for my King for about twenty years. I bought a new one a couple years ago and still go back to the old one because it's so broken in. And they're not that pricey. Good luck with it. Ed