Any experience with Amado water keys on tubas?

[Chris Olka]

Subject line says it all. I usually take water keys off and patch the slides but as I am gettin' older, twirling tubas is wearing my arms and back out. Anyone use these with success? Actual experience or knowledge based input greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Olka
Seattle Symphony
Seattle Opera

[Sam Gnagey]

I've been using Amado keys on my main tuning slides for about 5 years. I think they make an appreciable improvement in response of some notes. I've found that they drain adequately.
Sam

[Tuba Guy]

The Saturn Water Key came with my new tuba, and it works better any of the built in water keys on my CB50. I just make sure it's not over my leg (important) and hold it...all of the water comes out pretty fast...I like it a lot

[bort]

I can't find the price for the Saturn keys...about how much do they cost?

[Tuba Guy]

http://hornguys.com/parts.htm
$40

[bort]

Oh yeah! That's where I saw them before...thanks!

[T. J. Ricer]

Howdy, Chris,

Don Harry uses Amado keys on all of his tubas and that was enough to convince me to give them a try. I found that it made a noticeable positive difference on my Yamaha 822 F tuba (perhaps because of placement or number of waterkeys - I think the one on the third valve loop was the difference maker), but I didn't really see much difference on a couple of other horns.

If you feel the difference enough to take off the spit valves, you'll feel the difference enough to make the Amados worthwhile. The seem to drain adequately for me and would certainly be quicker than physically turning the horn!

For what it's worth, I used the Jupiter versions and have had no problems.

as always, your mileage may vary,
T. J.

[Chris Olka]

This is exactly the feedback I am looking for. Keep it coming. THanks guys!
Chris Olka

[Thomas Maurice Booth]

I'll second what T.J. said. Don Harry also talked me into getting them put on both of my tubas (as replacements to the original spit valves) and have found that they work really well. With regards to the "reduced flow" coming out when being emptied, I have had no issues whatsoever. The one drawback I have noticed is that if the tuba is not played for a week or so (ie: going on vacation) the Amados get a bit sluggish just like a piston valve does. However, with a little valve oil the problem is quickly fixed. As long as your horns are played regularly (which I am sure they are) you should not encounter any trouble with these. I highly recommend them.

TMB

[Chris Olka]

Ok, so two questions for the Amado guys. 1) Do they ever get completely hung up when they sit. I noticed a post about them freezing some. Occasionally I'll take a month off from playing (just did it for the first time in 5 years!!! It's great) and the horn DOES sit there unplayed for a month. If you hit 'em with valve oil does that get them back in action. 2) Who sells them and where do you get them?
Thanks,
Chris Olka

[Thomas Maurice Booth]

Chris-

The keys will freeze if not used for a couple weeks or month, but I have found that with a little valve oil and repetitive motion they will work just fine in less than 5 minutes.

My local repairman had a number of them in stock (both lacquered and silver). I believe he charged around $5/key. With a sonic cleaning, parts, and installation my bill was around $100+/-.

I am not sure where he buys the keys from, but I will be taking one of my horns in for a new leadpipe and can ask him when I see him. Let me know if you would like me to ask.

TMB

[Chris Olka]

Sure, that would be great.
Thanks,
Chris Olka