The 2341: Draining the King

[tubatooter1940]

First thing I did when I got my 1940 King Eb recording bass was add two water keys to the first and third valve slides at the bottom. This keeps the
"condensation" manageable so I only have to do the King Spin after four hours or more playing. The short second valve slide has no waterkey so I press it down when I do the King Spin to allow "condensation" to drain out.

[billeuph]

I have a slightly different version of the "king spin" that works for me. Remove the mouthpiece (optional, but it improves the aftertaste), and starting from playing position, spin the horn clockwise (bell goes to your right) while holding the 4th valve down. The weight of the horn will be resting mostly on your right arm. Once the lead pipe is pointing down, you should get lots of water draining on whatever is below it. Eventually, you'll learn to do this without wetting yourself. Also, let anyone to your right know so they can duck. If space is tight, you can also do this over your shoulder to irrigate the snare drum behind you (the least you can do if you have to sit in front of the snare!).

This will drain the troublesome low spot in the 4th valve slide near the valve. This slide isn't removable from the top, so this spot is tough to drain. You can also open the other three valves to drain some more water, but I haven't found this to be necessary. Then you use the 3 water keys in the usual way, and also remove the 3rd valve slide since it has no water key.

That's all I ever need to do for a 3 hour rehearsal- never had a problem once I learned about that low spot on the 4th slide. A water key there and on the 3rd valve slide would be a nice addition.

Spit happens.

Bill Anderson

[Normal]

You all got me thinking about what I might be doing wrong with my King 1241 (similar to 2341 only older). I very rarely (once every couple of months) have to give it the "spin". Not sure if these things make a difference but I:

1. Empty the first, third and fourth valve slides about twice an hour while playing.
2. My tuba is almost always stored and carried with the bell up.
3. I try not to spin the tuba when I do lay it down.

As I think about it, gravity may be what helps me the most. OR it could be that the older brass is thicker or more dense than the new brass of a 2341.