What do you do if your horn is no longer made?

[patrickrettger]

I own a CB-50 (aka G-50 when Canadian Brass's name was still on it). I have a couple valve guides that are wearing down that I need to replace one of these days (and I am looking into a new case if possible as well). The Getzen Company told me that I need to order all parts through Allied (the company that makes their parts) but they only deal with music stores and repair shops. I talked to the local music store and they inquired for me. A few days later they called and said the parts were in. When I looked at the guides it was obvious that they were not the correct guides. They then said the guides I need are no longer produced. Does anyone have an idea on what should I do next? Furthermore what does anyone do when they play on an instrument that is no longer made and therefore repair parts aren't readily available?

[BAtlas]

I have an older Besson 983 (pre-Buffet) that had the same issue. I did quite a bit of research, but eventually just had my repairman convert the valve guides to the standard Miraphone style so I didn't have to deal with it. It is not the cheapest solution, but could be worthwhile if you plan to keep the horn for a long period of time. Hope that helps!

Bo Atlas

[Dan Schultz]

There are repairmen around who are more than just 'parts replacers'. Most (but not all) music stores can go no further than ordering parts and 'sticking them on'.

[The Big Ben]

Even if you are using the factory parts, you don't just 'stick them in". They need to be fitted to the individual instrument. The guide may need to be filed so it fits "just so" in the guide channel. There may be wear in the guide channel which needs to be corrected so the piston and guide move smoothly.

If you could say where on the earth you are, perhaps someone could recommend a repair shop who could fit your guides correctly.

[patrickrettger]

I teach in Jackson, MS. There is very little quality repairing in this state. If I want any professional repairing I'd probably head to Memphis.

[Lee Stofer]

Patrick,
I'm pretty sure I have the valve guides, so feel free to PM me about that. Your tuba is a German-made instrument based on the York 33, as is the Kanstul model 90 CC. I would tend to think that the MTS model 1207V molded case with wheels should work very nicely for your instrument, since it works for the Kanstul.

[patrickrettger]

As some of you have implied, my guides are small (perhaps 1/8 inch wide and 1/4 inch long) and screw into the side of the valve. I replaced one a number of years ago and it was relatively easy. Though I bet it would be harder if the guide completely wore down to the point that there was only the screw part.

It's amazing how a little part can be so important to the horn even being able to function.

[Dan Schultz]

... I replaced one a number of years ago and it was relatively easy. Though I bet it would be harder if the guide completely wore down to the point that there was only the screw part.

It's amazing how a little part can be so important to the horn even being able to function.

A small sharp center punch and a left-hand drill bit smaller than the root diameter of the threads turning to the left will usually get those broken guides out. There are a couple of other 'tricks', too.

Yeah... a broken $2 part can sometimes render a tuba useless. Sort of reminds me of the 'good old days' when a $1 ignition capacitor would bring an automobile to a stop!

[Bob Kolada]

List it here for $10,000.