Improvised Tuba Belt, SUCCESS!

[mdc2d]

Inspired by the Willi Brandstotter's (Mnozil Brass) tuba belt (found here: http://members.aon.at/tubtub.at/page_1_1.html), I wanted a similar setup. I inquired about this belt a good while ago, and I remember it was quite expensive. I had purchased a Meinl Weston Harness a while back, although it did as advertised, I found it EXTREMEMLY difficult to breath as it restricts your entire upper body.

The idea about the belt makes perfect sense, supporting the weight of the horn around your hips rather than upper back. So I got the idea to use the hook mechanism off the MW Harness and attach to a weight belt. It worked beautifully! I am extremely happy with this setup, and it is extremely sturdy. The belt was $30 and screws/nuts etc. came to $3.98. I now need a ring solderd to my Eb and we're good to go!

As you can see I used 3 pieces from the hardware store. The screw, the locking nut, and sleeve like piece to keep the leather holes from stretching out. I didn't have to modify anything, the screws/sleeve fit right into the holes in the belt.

[ppalan]

That's ingenious. I've been working on that idea but using a tool belt. I like your idea better. Did you make that hook piece or can it be purchased say in a Home Depot or the like?

Pete

[mdc2d]

That's ingenious. I've been working on that idea but using a tool belt. I like your idea better. Did you make that hook piece or can it be purchased say in a Home Depot or the like?

Pete

Hi Pete,

The hook came from a Meinl Weston tuba harness seen here: http://static.musiciansfriend.com/deriv ... arness.jpg

Luckily I was able to experiment without ruining the other harness. Surely there is something out there that could do the same job. Its such a simple part. The weight belt is perfect. Its padded on the inside and the wider portion of the belt (7 inches on this one) helps distribute the weight.

[mdc2d]

That's a wonderfully simple device, as long as the bottom bow crosses your belt in a good spot.

Luckily it does... I was able to test it out with the strap that came with the MW harness. I'm not sure why something like this isn't widely available... it seems quite simple to make.

[muttenstrudel]

Or you get this if you tuba ain't got no hook:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/stoelzel_594_8 ... hlaufe.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

No soldering, easy on-off. I Use it for my B&S JBL. Works fine!

[SousaSaver]

Nice work Matt!

[Tubachin]

That's ingenious. I've been working on that idea but using a tool belt. I like your idea better. Did you make that hook piece or can it be purchased say in a Home Depot or the like?

Pete

You can purchase tool belt hooks that are designed for portable drills quite easily. I don't know if the shape of the hook (bigger and a larger radius of curvature) works in this application.

Here is a link to a random google site that sells tool belt hooks.

http://www.toolsandmachinery.com/senco- ... ooks-3973/" target="_blank" target="_blank

[mdc2d]

OK, here's what I've come up with. I went to Lowe's today and secured everything I'd need to make a tuba belt. First, I found a simple 2" leather belt that I could attach a hook to. (AWP #1L-603-L)
Price $9.96

I then found a Masonry hook that I felt would do the job nicely, it has a 300 pound capacity.
Price 5.98

And to attach the hook to the belt, I'll use a pair of these, except the ones I got are only 3/16" long.
Price $1.79 each.

All I need to do now is punch a couple of holes in the belt and go to work. I have a leather punch, so the holes won't be a problem. Looks like I'll have me a way cool tuba belt that I made by myself for under $20. Also, in the event that this belt becomes a bit too uncomgortable, the wider weight belt is avaiable at Wal-Mart for just over $14.00.

Of course, what we really need is for someone here in the US to build this part.

Without a buckle like this, we are faced with having the improvised hook off to the side of the buckle, rather than beneath the buckle. Regardless, both homemade designs listed in this thread are certainly a more cost convenient solution to trying to order one of these belts from Europe.

You're right, we need a U.S. Maker of a belt like this. The design looks great, but not for several hundred dollars! Looks like a great setup, let us know how it turns out!

[ppalan]

That's a similar problem to my first pass at this. If you notice though, the leadpipe of Willi Brandstötter's horn (an F I believe) has been modified. (At least on the videos I've seen.)