TromboneChat

Hypothetically, if I had stumbled upon the most beautifully playing 8h from the 50's, would it be worth considering making it modular and having a modern valve section built for it? Custom valve section or just rip one off a more modern horn? Who would I potentially go to for this (near NYC)?

The idea behind it is to hopefully take that amazing sound and make it more versatile, but I worry touching the horn in any way may ruin the magic.

Probably easier, cheaper, and more predictable outcome to find a beautifully playing 88H from the 50s-60s.
(Those valves really aren't so bad.)
But a whole lot less fun if you've got the time and the $$.

Yeah I get that but there's something magical about this one. Just plays effortlessly with the warmest, richest sound. Never played anything like it.

It depends who does the work. I just built an 88 from an 8h last week. The modern valve doesn’t really change the sound of the instrument, it just makes everything more accessible. A tech can fine tune the bracing to get the response you like as well.

I say go for it, who uses straight large bores anyways. Also don’t go Modular I think the sound is better soldered together.

Thanks, I'll definitely think of soldered aswell. Any tech-recs in the NYC area who could do this sort of thing well, maybe even do a cool looking wrap if I am feeling risky? lol

I have a’50’s 8H like that. A previous owner converted it to a removable valve horn. If you have the work done by a good tech, and keep the 8H side as original as possible, you should be able to preserve the things you like about the horn. The trigger side will play differently, but not necessarily in a bad way. On my horn, the extra weight and resistance of the valve makes the horn a bit more “locked in, and tighter “. Both sides of the horn play well, but they are 2 different instruments.

Jim Scott

To the OP - I’ve just done exactly what you’re proposing. A strong 8H, a thoughtful plan, and a talented tech can make it happen with fantastic results. Big shoutout to Pete Francis and The Baltimore Brass Company for the expert advice and execution. My horn also has the luxury/flexibility of an Instrument Innovations bi-threaded leadpipe collar.

My playing experience with both variations of my modular horn largely mirrors that of Jim Scott (see above). Very happy with the results!

I would send a job like this to Scott Sweeney. Or do one of those Sawday Arkbone type deals.

EllaRubin wrote: Wed Jun 04, 2025 10:02 pm Hypothetically, if I had stumbled upon the most beautifully playing 8h from the 50's, would it be worth considering making it modular and having a modern valve section built for it? Custom valve section or just rip one off a more modern horn? Who would I potentially go to for this (near NYC)?

The idea behind it is to hopefully take that amazing sound and make it more versatile, but I worry touching the horn in any way may ruin the magic.

I would throw a Caidex on it and get the wrap parts from Instruments Innovations. I happen to know someone with a Caidex for sale. Wonderful playing valves that are super responsive and open.

There are a lot of great 88hs already built. I've got one of each I really love. A great 69 88h and a fabulous 58 8h. Both original, although the 88 has had some work done and usually gets played with a 2525 slide. Just to say a lot of great horns still out there.

Yea but it’s less fun to just buy a maybe decent horn when I could instead skip the hunting and upkeep and have something more useful made out of something I love.

EllaRubin wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2025 12:59 pm Yea but it’s less fun to just buy a maybe decent horn when I could instead skip the hunting and upkeep and have something more useful made out of something I love.

You're obviously committed.

Do it and report on progress / final result!

For sure, will take a bit though.

EllaRubin wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2025 2:48 pm For sure, will take a bit though.

Yes, it will...but the journey is half the fun ; ))

I'm posting here my own quote from another 8H/88H thread...just sharing my experience...obviously, YMMV.

"In hindsight, my lessons learned are:

1) Spend a lot of time playing the straight 8H…make sure you love it!
2) Don’t sacrifice a great horn just to add an f-section…it’s a legit choice to just buy a second horn with an F-section.
3) Strategize the build with YOUR priorities (many thanks to Pete Francis/Baltimore Brass for laying out the options and working through lots of logistical challenges (small parts availability from several manufacturers ).
4) Be patient…the project, from drawing board to bench to concert hall, was over a year. Stay the course! (I almost succumbed to impatience…so glad I didn’t!)"

Good luck...please share if it comes to be!

Thanks! I’ll definitely make a post about it when it’s officially in the works!

I would add that you are not super unlikely to find another great 8H if the horn gets messed up during the process. As some said, lots of great 8Hs and 88Hs out there.

I'm still torn between having my Williams 8 converted to a Williams 9 or not. Likely won't find another Burbank Williams 8 over here if mine wouldn't work as good as before after the conversion. And a Williams 8 is at least twice, more likely thrice as expensive as an 8h.

EriKon wrote: Fri Jun 06, 2025 4:58 am I'm still torn between having my Williams 8 converted to a Williams 9 or not. Likely won't find another Burbank Williams 8 over here if mine wouldn't work as good as before after the conversion.

For a "real" 9, you'd need to have the longer J-bend TS made anyway or, if you retain the 8 TS, just get a new neckpipe made rather than chopping the original. Either way, you can do it without modifying any existing parts, so it could always be reassembled as stock. Seems a real shame to torch it if it's pristine, but if the lacquer is long gone then the rest of the work could be done quite reversibly.

EllaRubin wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2025 12:59 pm Yea but it’s less fun to just buy a maybe decent horn when I could instead skip the hunting and upkeep and have something more useful made out of something I love.

Just remember changing something/anything on an instrument that you LOVE could change the overall vibe of the horn once you're finished. The straight horn after the conversion will not be 100% the same but could be close. Keep that in mind. That's why many are suggesting buying another instrument. If you take your time and don't buy just anything you'll have the best of both worlds.