A couple years ago I got brave and began removing braces myself. My horn was not in perfect shape so I was not worried about ruining a fine specimen. The result? The horn became more resonant and the response became more equal between open horn, F and Gb sides. But the D side - both triggers - still remained stuffy. A couple days ago, I removed just one more brace that had been on my mind for quite some time. The result? Finally major improvement on the D side. Now the response and sound is much more equal to the open horn. This has made this horn much easier for me to play. Low C's are popping out not without having to force it. Lower volume stuff is much easier in the low range. Pedals improved as well!.CarlVicVogel wrote: ↑Sun Jan 16, 2022 4:54 pm This is a great thread! I own a 1990 TR-181 in perfect shape that I always thought was over-braced. Now, I know its true.
Thanks
CarlVicVogel
So my list of mods to a TR-181, without adding/changing parts from another horn, would be:
1) Pulled lead pipe ( yes an added part, but this is a standard mod for just about any horn )
2) De-bracing
3) If brave enough, slight porting of valves
4) Screw-bell
Everyone of those mods have made a positive difference.