Posted by Art H on March 24, 2003 at 23:52:02:
In Reply to: Re: Finger length/playing trouble posted by ask Art Hovey on March 24, 2003 at 15:59:36:
Thanks for the plug. I have been using the valve button extenders for about 3 years now with no problems. Here is the URL; you can also use the link below.
http://galvanizedjazz.com/tuba
On a couple of rotary-valve tubas that I used to own I was able to reposition paddles. I heated it with a propane torch until it was red-hot, while tapping it with a screwdriver. The "silver solder" holding it on softened and the paddle fell off. Then I shaped a small piece of sheet brass to go under the paddle to help hold it onto the lever and stuck it back together with conventional solder, which has a much lower melting point. The lacquer was already burned off the paddle, but it cleaned up nicely with steel wool.