Holton 180 Tuning Slide compatibility

[bassbonebuff]

Hi everybody,

Recently acquired a wonderful unmodified Holton TR 180 from the late 70s. I’m in the market for a D slide to use in place of the Eb the instrument came with.

I’ve heard much about the inconsistencies in Holton’s manufacturing process, and I’m wondering how I can be sure that a new tuning slide will fit my instrument? Ideally I’ll be able to pick up this part locally and try it on my horn, but I want to be prepared in case I order the part online.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts. Thanks!

[WGWTR180]

If you're planning on buying one, if you even can, it might fit. If not only a little tweaking will need to be done. If you are having one made Holton tubing is virtually all but gone so you'll have to use Bach size tubing. Inner diameters are different as Holton tubing has a smaller inner diameter. The tech will need the horn to make it fit properly. Good luck.

[Burgerbob]

As Bill said, Holton valve sections are .585 as opposed to the normal .593. if you can find old Holton stuff, it should work, but something modern will have to be adapted to fit.

[JonTheCadet]

When I bought my D slide from Bill, the slide width was not correct. This wasn't his fault; they are just inconsistent enough that a tuning slide for one particular 180 may not fit other 180s. I ended up having a brace on the tuning slide compressed and the tuning legs completely resoldered to become tension-free as the tuning slide is inserted. I was lucky my local shop did the modification for free.