TromboneChat

hornbuilder wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 7:04 pm The handslide actually cannot be parallel to anything else on the horn. If it was, you would not have any space between it and the bell rim. Just so you're aware.

erbarnes wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 9:44 am I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am

erbarnes wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 9:44 am I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes

Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us

erbarnes wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:38 am

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am

Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us

I’ve reached out to both the Thayer company and Todd directly. Was hoping to get on his schedule, but not getting much in terms of replies. Exploring all options now—would’ve liked to have the Thayer company service this horn and have Todd do some custom work since I know he does great work!

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:43 am

erbarnes wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:38 am

I’ve reached out to both the Thayer company and Todd directly. Was hoping to get on his schedule, but not getting much in terms of replies. Exploring all options now—would’ve liked to have the Thayer company service this horn and have Todd do some custom work since I know he does great work!

Did you call/leave a voicemail? Maybe text too? Unless he's out of town, which is possible with summer, he's usually good about getting back.

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am

erbarnes wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 9:44 am I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes

Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us

Rrova wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 1:18 pm BTW2: He has some AMAZING projects coming out the could potentially upend the axial market!

Rrova wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 1:18 pm

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am

Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us

BTW1: Leanne we also talked about the horn he made for you! I could he was quite proud of that one!