Where to buy valve guides?

[Michael Bush]

Where can I buy valve guides for my newly acquired old Conn? I take it the guides would be the same as those for the Conn jumbo sousaphones of the same era (pre-1920)? Maybe they're the same as a lot of horns? I don't need but four, obviously, at least for now.

[SousaSaver]

Any repair shop should be able to order them for you. They are universal Conn guides that will have to be fit to your particular horn by a tech. Should be cheap though.

[Michael Bush]

Oh, okay. Thanks. I just noticed that one was especially worn. I'm taking it to my local guy on Wednesday anyway. And looking forward to TubaTinker having a look at it in a couple of weeks.

[SousaSaver]

Bloke's comment is true. The new valve guides need to be fit as tightly as possible without binding the valve. If the valves are fit with too much slack on either side of the guide it could effect valve alignment.

[Michael Bush]

Got it. That's what I'll do. Thanks to all.