Tuba Help

[camption]

I've been wanting to replace the piston springs and pads on my horns and don't know where to begin. Both horns could use new springs, and I'd like some opinions on the matter. Also, if I wanted my pistons to sound softer, what pads should I buy for them? Maybe some links to websites would be nice, please?

Secondly, I've been wanting to try out mouthpieces, but live in an area where the nearest music stores are 3 hours away. Are there ways to contact mouthpiece makers to try out their mouthpieces? I've been very curious about the G&W and Laskey mpcs. Any help on these would be great! Thanks!

[DaTweeka]

Most people use Yamaha euph springs for their pistons, and I've found that felt pads are miles better than cork pads if you want silent pistons. You should be able to get them both from a local Yamaha rep, or from Yamaha's site (although I'm not sure about their ordering procedure).

In terms of mouthpieces, I know that Warburton and Mouthpiece Express are my go-to sites for either run-of-the-mill standard mouthpieces (ME) or Sellmansberger-esque custom deals (War.) on trial. Speaking of, if I'm not mistaken there's some sort of trial policy available on Blokepieces through Houser Mouthpieces as well... But Giddings and Webster has a dead-set no trial policy on their mouthpieces, just because the metal is so expensive, and currently their supplies are so low (or at least, so claims their website). That said, the G&W folks are friendly, knowladgeable, and quick to respond to emails. As for Laskey, I've got nothing; haven't dealt with them, don't feel licensed to speculate.

EDIT; all these distributors\ manufacturers have a website, on which should be their contact info. Just shoot them an email, or call them withing business hours to get in touch about trials.

[Dan Schultz]

You didn't say what make and model horns you are playing. If your horn is relatively new and hasn't been modified, you can probably just use stock replacement felts and corks. Several folks on this forum could help you with that.

If your horn is older or it's questionable whether it has all of it's original parts, you really need to take your horn to a reliable technician so proper consideration is given to valve alignment. There's much more to it than just sticking in some pads so the valves aren't noisy.

Yamaha springs as already mentioned are good but won't work for everyone.

[camption]

I play a 5/4 Kurath and a Pt 10p. I guess that would help with more specific advice!

[royjohn]

I believe Dillon Music has a trial period on mouthpieces. They will charge them to your credit card and allow you a trial period. You can send some or all of those you order back for a credit to your card if they are returned undamaged. If you can tolerate carrying the balance on your card while you have them, this might work well for you. I would check with Dillon before ordering, as their policy may have changed. I ordered a couple of trumpet mouthpieces from them this way, but it was several years ago. I just checked and they do carry both Laskey and G&W mouthpieces, but they may not have them all in stock or available on approval. I would think any special order would not be returnable, only stock mpcs. Take a look at their site for mouthpieces under "accessories". They stock a lot and have very good prices. They are good folks to deal with and Matt Walters is well known as a tuba guru and magician.

Some other stores may do this as well, so check with whoever offers the best prices.

Another alternative might be the for sale section here. Some sellers may allow you a trial period.

[Jess Haney]

I play a 5/4 Kurath and a Pt 10p. I guess that would help with more specific advice!

I have Willsons and use Yamaha euph springs in both, and for pads I use the little white selmer pads since they keep my horn quiet but they do wear down and have to be replaced if you play often. Cork lasts longer but produces a nice "thud" when you play.