TubaForum.net

Howdy all!

I wanted to know if there are any modifications people have had done to relocate the placement of the 5th valve trigger on Meinl Weston 21x5 horns. Whether it be fabricating a new linkage, relocating the placement of the mounting doohickey, or extending the thumb plate.

If any pictures could be provided, and information about where i might be able to get a modification like this done Id be very thankful!

Need something to spend new years money on!

Best,
-RG

You can do one of two things:

Have someone fabricate a new, extended lever

Buy the Baer linkage and try to make that work with the existing rotor (challenging)

With my 2165, since I’m doing a full Baer conversion, moving the 5th rotor, etc, the Baer linkage is the best option.

With my 2141, I’m going to see about measuring that Baer linkage and having something made that will fit the existing rotor.

Know this - move the 5th linkage, you’ll need to get a new thumb ring, or move the old one. I haven’t gotten that far yet.

The particular style to which I believe you are referring hinges horizontally in relation to the length of the tuba and requires a long thumb stroke. I much prefer the type that they put on the 5450, but the thumb ring placement and ring adjustment range was terrible on the 5450, so I had to un-braze the ring and reattach it at a 45, which solved everything.

Getting back to the topic of your style:
With yours, (if it's what I think it is) if there's a way to lengthen the arm underneath the thumb paddle so that there's more leverage to reduce the stroke length) you might like it more.

5450's was good. Your thumb ring mod always intrigued me. I do wish they had more length adjustment.

Anyway...

The 6450/3450 linkage. Here it is:

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And here's a (very) rough placement on the tuba:

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Now, obviously it's not in line with where the old one mounts. Just use your mind's eye and you should get a rough image of where it should sit. I'll get it on there as is and tweak it later if needed. FWIW, in my hands, the only one I remember feeling overly long was the Ursus' linkage. I don't quite remember how this one felt, but I have larger hands and longer fingers than most.

Hand position on these is so close to being "good" but OP is right in wanting to change the lever.

Exactly. If somehow the opposite end below the hinge tube went down lower, you wouldn't have to push it as far to activate the rotor and you might not mind the angle at which it operates so much..