Melton (Meinl-Weston) 2145 main tuning slide length

[oedipoes]

Hi all,

I would like to ask fellow 2145 owners a question:
Would it be possible to measure the straight length (only the nickel silver pipe) of the smaller leg of the main tuning slide, right after the 5th valve?
A picture would help too...

The instrument is tuning quite flat when I play it, and I suspect the main tuning slide being made to play A=440HZ ...
When looking to pictures from other 2145's I think the tuning slide of my instrument is indeed longer than usual. (see my picture below)
Possibly this instrument has some custom features, as it has an unusual goldbrass bell as well, and this tuning slide is also 'custom'.
I consider having it shortened to play in tune.

Thanks !

[Dan Schultz]

Sure is a short slide. It looks like someone added the rotor and took the length out of the slide.

[pjv]

Have you tried mailing MW and asking them? They might be able to help you out. Once you've cut your horn there's no going back. If the slide is stock, then you'll need to look for the problem somewhere else.

Good luck

[Ferguson]

MW is no longer MW. The OP's tuba has some longer sleeves than standard on his tuning slide. You could order a new tuning slide, but it will take months and months to get it. It's probably less expensive to have these tubes cut to the right length.

Here's a stock pic of the 2145. The tuning slide sleeves are about 1cm long.



SF

[oedipoes]

Thanks Ferguson for the clear picture, that's what I thought, but I was not sure.

Let's talk to the repair guy over here ...

[pjv]

Actually I wasn't necessarily referring to ordering a part or even making the half a day drive from Belguim to Geretsried. By calling or mailing MW with the exact measurements of the tuning slide you can at least determine as to whether or not the slide is of the original specifications or not.

If it were my horn, I'd like rule out the possibility that the low intonation wasn't coming from a leakage. Who knows from only a picture? You say it's a special bell, but you didn't say if MW installed it themselves. Is the bell the right length? Does it seal properly? The tuning slide is also special. The dog legs as well?? How well are they soldered on?

I'm just saying that knowledge is power. If it were my horn I'd have the slide measured and call MW, if only to confirm my suspicions.

Good luck.

[Ferguson]

But there is no MW. If you contact them, my experience now is that they say, "Talk to your Buffet rep." Lame.

SF

[oedipoes]

Cutting off 15mm from both sides of the main tuning slide solved the problem.
Great little tuba!

Wim