All,
I was recently given a 1927ish Martin Sousaphone. This horn is pretty beat up, but it plays fairly well, and the valves and slides all work smooth. Unfortunately, I discovered a pretty bad leak yesterday on the bottom bow right at the forward tip of the brace wire. Is there any type of jury-rig repair I could use for this? I simply don't have the kind of money it would probably take to fix this leak at a repair shop. Any and all suggestions are very welcome. Thanks!
Tim
P.S. I'll post a picture as soon as I can get them off of my camera.
Sousaphone leak help needed
- Aardvark892
- bugler

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Sousaphone leak help needed
Tim Schuster
Tubist
Walla Walla Valley Band
Tubist
Walla Walla Valley Band
- Kevin Hendrick
- 6 valves

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Re: Sousaphone leak help needed
Duct tape? Worth a try. 
"Don't take life so serious, son. It ain't nohow permanent." -- Pogo (via Walt Kelly)
- Dan Schultz
- TubaTinker

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Re: Sousaphone leak help needed
Unless the hole is larger than a bullet hole... it's probably not causing much of a problem. You can simply cover it with a piece of duck tape if it's actually leaking.
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.
"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.
- tubaguy9
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Re: Sousaphone leak help needed
I reccomend electrical tape over duct tape; it's durable enough to last, but less of a PITA to remove when you decide to have it fixed
I think I might end up as a grumpy old man when I get old...
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SousaSaver
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Re: Sousaphone leak help needed
The further away from the valve section the hole is, the less likely it is cause a problem. I agree with TubaTinker.
Furthermore, since the horn dates from 1927, it is very possible that the horn needs a valve job. It is very possible.
In my opinion, you should take it to a shop and have them solder a patch over the hole. It should be relatively inexpensive.
Furthermore, since the horn dates from 1927, it is very possible that the horn needs a valve job. It is very possible.
In my opinion, you should take it to a shop and have them solder a patch over the hole. It should be relatively inexpensive.