Shires lightweight double valve sections

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modelerdc
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Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by modelerdc »

I see that Shires offers a lightweight option for it's double valve bass trombone sections. I'm not thinking of buying one, but instead considering modifying one that I have. I'm less concerned about weight than balance. The standard sections have enough weight far enough back that the horn feels tail heavy. No I'm not going to add a weight to the end of the slide. But I've tried practicing with the D slide removed, and that is a real improvement in the way the horn balances in the hand. Looking at what few photos I can find, it seems that the Shires factory lightweight section doesn't have the braces on the F and D slides. I figure these could be removed. Does anyone know where else the factory light section is modified? If need be it seems that the overlap of the outer nickel and inner brass on the slides on the valves could be reduced. The brace on the tuning slide could be removed, though I'd like to avoid this as the brace helps move tight tuning slides. Thanks.
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Burgerbob
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by Burgerbob »

Fewer braces, and much less pull on the valve tuning slides so more of the section is brass tubing.
Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher
modelerdc
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by modelerdc »

Thanks anyone have some photos that show these modifications?
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Burgerbob
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by Burgerbob »

Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher
modelerdc
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by modelerdc »

I see the lack of a brace on the d tuning slide. I can’t see any more brass telescopic tubing showing than normal. Are the brass inner tubes of the F and D slides shorter than normal?
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Burgerbob
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by Burgerbob »

On the F side especially, there is a lot less nickel outer- there is much less pull on that slide than a normal one.
Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher
modelerdc
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by modelerdc »

Thanks I’ll search the web for a photo
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Burgerbob
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by Burgerbob »

modelerdc wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:12 pm Thanks I’ll search the web for a photo
I uploaded an album, just click to the right and you'll see it
Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher
modelerdc
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by modelerdc »

Ok thanks
Blabberbucket
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Re: Shires lightweight double valve sections

Post by Blabberbucket »

You'll need to replace the ferrules on the F and D slides if you want to remove the brace rod and sockets, as the sockets are brazed to the ferrules on a standard bass Axial valve set.
David Paul - Brass Repair/Manufacture, O'Malley Brass
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