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Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Sat May 11, 2019 12:40 pm
by Tubaing
I just got my dream horn- a Holton BBb-345. I'm hoping to replace the valve stems (or at least one since it is too short!). I would also like to get new finger buttons (Yamahas are nice).
Any leads on stems I can order that will fit?
Any leads on someone who has some stems laying around that would work?
Any leads on someone who wants to make stems for me (PM me a quote)?
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 8:33 pm
by Tubaing
Thanks so much! I'll call up my local shop and see if they can get those parts. And thanks for mentioning the valve guides. The ones on there are quite worn out and quite loud.
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Sun May 12, 2019 9:11 pm
by bort
Give Martin Wilk a call.
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Mon May 13, 2019 11:32 pm
by bort
Not at all. Just replying to the "someone to do it for me" part.
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Tue May 14, 2019 7:09 am
by Tubaing
bloke wrote:I can supply part numbers (Allied Supply, and Yamaha), if you like...
Those top-mounted nylon guides...You'll have to get from The Getzen Company, but the oem Holton screws will work.
Please do provide the part numbers. Also, are OEM Holton Screws available?
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2019 12:19 pm
by MN_TimTuba
For my 345, my tech installed larger diameter valve stems and the Yamaha buttons. Really looks much better. Plays better with them, too. Well...
Anyhow, here is a link to pics showing my repaired fat Holton with Yamaha buttons -
https://imgur.com/a/wX5rZ" target="_blank
Good luck with your horn - post some photos when she's completed!
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 8:39 am
by Tubaing
The Olds stems worked great (except on the first valve which at some point had the threads retapped to take a larger stem). The finger buttons rock (thanks everyone- especially Bloke). Lots of projects to go on this horn.
One (cheap I hope) thing I'd like to do is lengthen the main tuning slide. As you can see in the picture, the inner slide legs are much shorter than they have to be.
Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons
Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 8:56 am
by Tubaing
Yeah, I don't think I could do any of those things with my current skills and equipment... the good news is that the one in question is not the one that is too short. Also, good news is that the Yamaha finger button fits the non-matching stem. And it is still an old, ugly tuba, so I can live with it not matching.
I should do a post some time about this horn some time because it does have a very special history to me.