tuning slide falling out, too loose

bud · Post by **bud** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 3:06 pm

If a main tuning slide is too loose on a new tuba (constantly moving towards falling out as you play), do you hava a tech expand it a little, or do you get a new one from the manufacturer that fits properly?

Seems like expanding it a little would not be ideal since it would be near impossible to expand the tubing consistently.

bort · Post by **bort** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 3:42 pm

My old Miraphone 1291 had this problem on the lower part of the 3rd valve slide. I used a thicker lubricant and that fixed the problem.

In general, REALLY loose slides make me nervous about air leaks, and if it was my tuba I'd take it into the shop. They know all kinds of fixes I don't know.

cjk · Post by **cjk** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 4:29 pm

If it's a brand new tuba, I'd be trying to get a new slide from the manufacturer. Sounds like a product defect to me. If it's just a "new to you" tuba, I'd take it to a repairman.

Lingon · Post by **Lingon** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 5:02 pm

bud wrote:...do you hava a tech expand it a little, or do you get a new one from the manufacturer that fits properly?...

As said, expanding works fine and as a bonus you will probably have a better instrument over all with a tight tuning slide. Been there, experienced it, may work like a wonder.

Jonathan Fowler · Post by **Jonathan Fowler** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 9:25 am

Expanding is a very easy fix. Matt fixed my main slide on my new-ish Alex 163 last year. No issues at all, and a very quick fix.

Good luck,

Jon

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:29 pm

bud wrote:If a main tuning slide is too loose on a new tuba (constantly moving towards falling out as you play), do you hava a tech expand it a little, or do you get a new one from the manufacturer that fits properly?

Seems like expanding it a little would not be ideal since it would be near impossible to expand the tubing consistently.

Bud... Unless I missed something... I just have to ask... what make tuba is it? Is it brand-new?

Chadtuba · Post by **Chadtuba** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:43 pm

Had this happen to me again last night at a concert. Great big 8 measure blow and then a whole band pause and clank went my 4th valve slide. Dropped my 983 off at the shop this morning to get the 4th slide and the main slide expanded a little and have the valves flushed. I was getting ready to ask this same question so thanks to all who answered.

bud · Post by **bud** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:41 pm

Slides from other same model tubas fit perfectly. Its brand new. When I've had expansion done before it didn't turn out as good as new.

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tuning slide falling out, too loose

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