Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Repair and modification discussion
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Tubaing
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Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by Tubaing »

I just got my dream horn- a Holton BBb-345. I'm hoping to replace the valve stems (or at least one since it is too short!). I would also like to get new finger buttons (Yamahas are nice).

:arrow: Any leads on stems I can order that will fit?
:arrow: Any leads on someone who has some stems laying around that would work?
:arrow: Any leads on someone who wants to make stems for me (PM me a quote)?
Kevin Specht
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Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by Tubaing »

Thanks so much! I'll call up my local shop and see if they can get those parts. And thanks for mentioning the valve guides. The ones on there are quite worn out and quite loud.
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bort
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Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by bort »

Give Martin Wilk a call.
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Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by bort »

Not at all. Just replying to the "someone to do it for me" part.
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Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by Tubaing »

bloke wrote:I can supply part numbers (Allied Supply, and Yamaha), if you like...
Those top-mounted nylon guides...You'll have to get from The Getzen Company, but the oem Holton screws will work.
Please do provide the part numbers. Also, are OEM Holton Screws available?
Kevin Specht
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MN_TimTuba

Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by MN_TimTuba »

For my 345, my tech installed larger diameter valve stems and the Yamaha buttons. Really looks much better. Plays better with them, too. Well...
Anyhow, here is a link to pics showing my repaired fat Holton with Yamaha buttons - https://imgur.com/a/wX5rZ" target="_blank
Good luck with your horn - post some photos when she's completed!
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Tubaing
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Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by Tubaing »

The Olds stems worked great (except on the first valve which at some point had the threads retapped to take a larger stem). The finger buttons rock (thanks everyone- especially Bloke). Lots of projects to go on this horn.

One (cheap I hope) thing I'd like to do is lengthen the main tuning slide. As you can see in the picture, the inner slide legs are much shorter than they have to be.

Image
Image
Kevin Specht
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Re: Holton BBb-345 Valve Stem and Finger Buttons

Post by Tubaing »

Yeah, I don't think I could do any of those things with my current skills and equipment... the good news is that the one in question is not the one that is too short. Also, good news is that the Yamaha finger button fits the non-matching stem. And it is still an old, ugly tuba, so I can live with it not matching.

I should do a post some time about this horn some time because it does have a very special history to me.
Kevin Specht
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