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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 : )

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.

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 : )