TubaForum.net

Hi all - I have a Schiller horn that is missing its first valve. I've been in touch with Jim Laabs music about buying a replacement valve, but as I was warned, it's taking forever and I'm not super confident that they will actually come through. It's a Bb American Heritage horn, I'm looking for anyone who might have a junker and is willing to sell a replacement first (or third, it's the same) valve for this horn, or one of the various instruments it's cloned from. Or alternatively, are there any repair shops or companies that can mill a new valve core from a sample? Before anyone mentions it, I know the horn is pretty junky, I got it from a guy basically unloading scrap instruments - I'm not expecting it to be a great horn, but I've been able to fix up a few minor issues and all I need now is a replacement valve to get it in playing shape as a beater/backup instrument. Thanks all!

You need to be more specific as Schiller calls everything American Heritage.

Wessex or Mack Brass may be able to get parts…

I’d be interested to see what happens with this project and I’m wondering if the valve / valve set used is common to many made in China Tubas ... are they all really made by one major supplier and different names put on them before they exit the factory?
http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthread ... MUYq8rTWhA

Might it help to measure up the valve to clarify critical dimensions too? And of course a picture of the third valve and the Tuba would help, as would dimensions of the Tuba (to seek out what else is basically the same instrument).

I recently wanted to get a part for a made in China mower, made there and a U.K. brand name added for a company that no longer trades. Eventually I identified the original manufacturer but found it impossible to deal with them; it seems that Chinese companies make finished articles but don’t do spare parts, the mentality appears to be: buy it, use it ‘till it breaks, scrap it and then buy another.

I’m wondering what instruments might have been written off by repair shops, etc. and who might have cannibalised such instruments for spare parts, maybe it’s worth asking a few repair shops and ringing around. Wessex and Mac Brass have been mentioned, Packers might also be able to help too. Even if available I don’t think that this part will be cheap (it’s a special order with a lot of handling chargers) but let’s hope that something comes through for you.

Finally I’m wondering why this valve is missing, is there an issue that you’re not yet aware of ... ?