The screw that connects the linkage system to the 3rd valve rotor spindle of my MW 32 CC has broken. The screw head broke off of the shank, leaving the shank stuck inside the spindle. I don't ever remember being too forceful with it; it may just have been from stress over the years. I'm having my repair guy take the shank out of the spindle, but once that's done I'll need a replacement for it. Getting one may be as simple as going to the hardware store or as complicated as ordering a part from Meinl-Weston. Does anyone know the best way to go about finding one?
I don't know what specific kind of linkage system it has. If it helps in identifying the type of screw I need, "W Meinl Weston A Division Of Getzen" is inscribed on the bell and the only other identification mark I can find on the horn is "C5-174" scratched into the side of the 1st-valve casing.
Mention to your repairman that he could use a left-hand twist drill to drill out the old screw. Often... just beginning to drill will hang the broken screw and back it right out. Your repairman should have an Allied catalog. They have most Meinl-Getzen parts and should be able to fix your repairman up with a proper screw.
Dan Schultz
"The Village Tinker" http://www.thevillagetinker.com" target="_blank
Current 'stable'... Rudolf Meinl 5/4, Marzan (by Willson) euph, King 2341, Alphorn, and other strange stuff.
You can usually find 3mm stainless steel screws in a good hardware store, but not at Lowe's or Homey Depot. They won't have the same heads as the original, but they will do the job and are much stronger than brass. They cost a few pennies. You can also sometimes get them from the Nutty Company.
Update: I finally had time to go to the repair guy and he took out the screw in a jiffy. It then took over an hour of driving around town to find a replacement screw, but I finally found one that fit. The diameter of the head was a little small to be able to keep the stopper in place, so I got a small nylon washer that does the trick. It all works nicely now.
