I purchased a Holton Medium and a York Master bell from Tubajug. The bell on the Holton was in rough shape, so I asked my tech to replace it with the York bell.
The lead pipe is offset from the new bell because the diameter is a little smaller. but it seems solid. My tech said that another brace could be added.
It sounds as good as any old Eb, I like it. Using it as a lightweight practice horn to reinforce Eh fingerings. It might make a Tuba Christmas appearance also.
Maybe it will get a 4-valve set someday : )
IMG_20260403_193427.jpg (192.46 KiB) Viewed 419 times
compressed-1000002341.jpg (93.73 KiB) Viewed 419 times
IMG_20260402_213813.jpg (125.43 KiB) Viewed 419 times
These users thanked the author Furguson11 for the post (total 3):
How is D, Db, and C below the staff? On my Holton medium they were dreadfully flat before I put on a 3+1 valveset and still dreadfully flat after. I end up playing those notes with BBb fingerings holding 4 down.
As amateur as they come...I know just enough to be dangerous.
Meinl-Weston 20
Holton Medium Eb 3+1
Holton Collegiate Sousas in Eb and BBb
Conn 20J
and whole bunch of other "Stuff"
I haven't put a tuner on it, but it sounded fine to my ear.
I was having trouble hitting the C and Bb under the staff. When I just pushed the first finger button down it sounded "leaky" (but not the second and third valve). I pulled the cork washer out from under the finger button, leaving the felt washer on, and those notes just locked right in. The valve alignment must have been slightly off.
When I get back from vacation I'll play with it more. I'll try out mouthpieces. I have small shank Wick 4 Heritage, a Hero Eb and a Shilke 60 large shank bass trombone mouthpiece (used successfully on a Eb helicon) laying about.
I used to have a Wick 3 that worked well in my old LaSete, but I can't seem to find it. This horn is just another toy to play with : )
These users thanked the author Furguson11 for the post:
