Water key spring solution

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arpthark
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Water key spring solution

Post by arpthark »

Is there any water key spring available that wraps around the tail of the water key somehow instead of poked through by the main screw?

I have this old tuba and the handful of water key springs I have lying around aren't working because there is no clearance here to install them on this tuba that I can see. I have some old Conn, Yamaha, and Jupiter springs.

Here is what I am dealing with:

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The tail of the water key has a nipple on it which I am assuming was used to hold the original spring somehow.

Any solutions? Is there a modern something-or-other that may work? I am admittedly not very savvy to water key spring design. Thanks!


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bloke
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Re: Water key spring solution

Post by bloke »

If there is absolutely no hinge tube - and no place to wrap a wire spring – you might consider drilling one or two very small holes (the correct size for the thread about to be mentioned) And tap a 0-80 thread, in order to install a (I would recommend stout) woodwind-style flat spring.

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You might also find or make a saxophone flat spring (tiny/brass – would solder onto the bow) guide, which will allow it to operate more smoothly.
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arpthark (Sun Aug 28, 2022 7:53 pm)
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Re: Water key spring solution

Post by arpthark »

Thanks! I will keep that solution in my back pocket. However, I would prefer at this point to avoid soldering or drilling and (simply) finding some-shaped spring that will do what I want it to do. If such a thing exists!

Bar that, I'm considering getting a longer screw and some washers/nuts that will offer a place for the loops on the springs that I do have to stay put.

Bar THAT, I'm likely going to just use a rubber band until I get my keister to the hardware store.
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Re: Water key spring solution

Post by bloke »

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Get a woodwind person to help you (either extracting that broken off screw, or grinding it down flush, and drilling/tapping back behind it).
The free tip of the flat spring would have pointed back towards the nipple, and contacted (and ended at) the saddle (which DUAL PURPOSED as a saddle AND flat spring guide).

I feel very strongly that this is the way to go and with few - if any - alternatives (if you definitely wish to retain the original water keys).

The blue arrow is pointing to the original evidence marks of the original flat spring.

I apologize for not looking more closely, as my phone wasn't allowing me to see these details, and I'm now on my laptop.
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arpthark (Sun Aug 28, 2022 8:46 pm)
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Re: Water key spring solution

Post by arpthark »

You are the man, Joe! Thanks very much. I see how it likely fit together now. Weird stuff with this very, very old tuba.

The closest tech to me, while he does a fine job on my (for-playing, and not for-tinkering) tuba, is a former Giardinelli guy, a very talented bassoonist and primarily works on woodwinds. I will see if he can assist. I ain't got the tools or skills to do that yet without screwing it up.

For now, the rubber band will have to do.

I am so appreciative that this forum can be so very helpful.
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Re: Water key spring solution

Post by bloke »

Yeah, good woodwind repair people extract broken off needle springs out of posts, broken off flat spring screws (or drill and tap next to the original hole, as I described above), and stuck knock pins out of right hand flute key assemblies all the time.

Assuming they are competent, this will be no big deal for them.
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