Tuning Woes

[tubashaman2]

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[Dean E]

Without seeing your tuba this is simply my best guess after looking at the photograph. If this is not the problem you need to take the tuba to an excellent tech.

Unscrew the rotory valve cap and look at the alignment marks on the bearing and bearing sleeve. If they do not line up in the open and engaged positions most likely you need to adjust the bumpers. Get someone that knows about rotary valves to show you how to cut and fit the bumpers correctly in order to get the valve to line up with the ports. It is a simple procedure once you know what you are doing.

good luck,
Mark

Mark is right about the alignment marks. When I align my rotary valves, I first have to unscrew the top retainer in order to view the alignment marks.

I would start out by rotating the top bearing to align the marks.

I align my rotary valves with a small adjustable wrench. I grasp the bumper plate (which must be screwed to the top bearing), and rotate the top bearing. I use a soft cloth to protect the bumper plate from the wrench. Then I lubricate the bearing and linkage, and reassemble the top retainer, bumper plate, and linkage.

Finally, if necessary, I would adjust the bumpers by trimming with a sharp Exacto knife or single-edge razor blade.

It is a simple job if one is trained and experienced with precision mechanical repairs. Otherwise ask a pro for help.

[jonesbrass]

I have to use a sousaphone tuning bit on my Wilson 3050 CC. I sometimes have to use two tuning bits for outside gigs in the summer when the temperature is over 90 deg F.

Get that C in tune, then work on the valve slides.

I didn't feel that sticking sousaphone tuning bits on such a great horn was the way I wanted to go.

I had a similar situation with my 3050CC when I bought it, but wrote to DEG and Willson. Willson shipped a longer tuning slide to me, free of charge, in exchange for my old tuning slide and return postage. Now that's customer service! Haven't had an issue since.

[Slamson]

About 10 years ago I had a student with an HB50 that had similar intonation problems. Took it to Wayne Tanabe and had the valves aligned and it played great after that. I was surprised that a horn that expensive (and new) had as many clearance problems, but it was a quick and easy fix. As I recall, Hirsbrunner footed the bill.

[TUBAD83]

About 10 years ago I had a student with an HB50 that had similar intonation problems. Took it to Wayne Tanabe and had the valves aligned and it played great after that. I was surprised that a horn that expensive (and new) had as many clearance problems, but it was a quick and easy fix. As I recall, Hirsbrunner footed the bill.

Most likely once the alignment is properly adjusted, the intonation problem will go away--judging by the photo, I'm surprised that there was not even more intonation problems.