TromboneChat

Has anyone tried the large bore O Malley lead pipes? Curious how they compare to the brassark lead pipes? In turn has anyone compared the .547 brassark pipes?

I have been playing a BA MV42 for years, but it's starting to feel too tight for me. Just trying to educate myself on all of the great options available out there. Feel free to mention what works for you:

I’ve been using the Brassark/O’Malley Minick .547 leadpipe in my Yamaha 882 for the past 6 weeks or so, it’s a really nice pipe, pretty middle of the road in terms of openness and blow across the horn I’d say, with a great sound and response. This one is drawn yellow brass but Noah had a copper one available too.

I have a friends Brassark MV42 in seamed brass and a 8H in nickel to compare it to. I’m actually thinking of spending more time on the MV42 as I love the density and depth of attacks and sound and think it’s really well balanced even though it’s perhaps a little tighter blow. The Minick is a lighter, more colourful sound with more upper overtones present without being overly bright.

The nickel 8H is more open blowing and also has a nice sound that can be big and punchy, but perhaps lacks a bit of warmth and colour. I think I prefer the MV42 over this pipe.

All of these seem upgrades on the 882 stock leadpipe (although I don’t mind the sound), as the blow is a little tight. I’m also going to look at a slide crook upgrade to open things up even more.

If the MV42 feels a touch too tight, Brad's TR156 might be just the ticket. I believe it has a slightly larger venturi, but it is also a bit shorter. It sits in a nice sweet spot for me. The 42 "Open" pipe is the same length as the MV42 - both are about the same overall length as a standard Shires pipe. The 42 Open plays close to my Shires #2, while the MV42 feels somewhere in the #1 - #1.5 range. The TR156 sits right in-between the MV42 and the 42 Open.

I haven't tried the O'Malley pipes, but I've been curious how they compare.

Hey Brian. Not sure if your slide is set up for removable leadpipes or not, but we have a number of Shires-compatible .547 leadpipes in the shop currently available for trial. We also have a couple .547 tenor trombones available for testing.

If you are overall happy with the pitch tendencies and response of your 42 pipe but want something a little more open, we could easily make a similar pipe with a larger venturi.

You are welcome to come by the shop and try whatever you'd like, if you happen to find yourself in the Chicago area. Just send me an email to schedule.

muschem wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 6:55 am If the MV42 feels a touch too tight, Brad's TR156 might be just the ticket. I believe it has a slightly larger venturi, but it is also a bit shorter. It sits in a nice sweet spot for me. The 42 "Open" pipe is the same length as the MV42 - both are about the same overall length as a standard Shires pipe. The 42 Open plays close to my Shires #2, while the MV42 feels somewhere in the #1 - #1.5 range. The TR156 sits right in-between the MV42 and the 42 Open.

I haven't tried the O'Malley pipes, but I've been curious how they compare.

I recently purchased a TR156 pipe from Brad and it’s fantastic. Your description is accurate. It’s a nice in between a Bach 42 and Conn 88h pipe.

One thing to try would be to shorten your existing pipe. Take 1/4-1/2" of the large end. Of course it is irreversible, but I think you may be pleasantly surprised by the result.

Blabberbucket wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:10 am Hey Brian. Not sure if your slide is set up for removable leadpipes or not, but we have a number of Shires-compatible .547 leadpipes in the shop currently available for trial. We also have a couple .547 tenor trombones available for testing.

If you are overall happy with the pitch tendencies and response of your 42 pipe but want something a little more open, we could easily make a similar pipe with a larger venturi.

You are welcome to come by the shop and try whatever you'd like, if you happen to find yourself in the Chicago area. Just send me an email to schedule.

Hey Dave I'd love to trial your lead pipes. This would be shop appointment only, not shipped?

BrianJohnston wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 5:38 pm

Blabberbucket wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:10 am Hey Brian. Not sure if your slide is set up for removable leadpipes or not, but we have a number of Shires-compatible .547 leadpipes in the shop currently available for trial. We also have a couple .547 tenor trombones available for testing.

If you are overall happy with the pitch tendencies and response of your 42 pipe but want something a little more open, we could easily make a similar pipe with a larger venturi.

You are welcome to come by the shop and try whatever you'd like, if you happen to find yourself in the Chicago area. Just send me an email to schedule.

Hey Dave I'd love to trial your lead pipes. This would be shop appointment only, not shipped?

Send me an email at [email protected]. We could probably work out a trial period.

Awesome. Just wrote you Dave.