Old Conn 15J that needs valve pistons. Help!

[TJTuba]

I got my hands on an old Conn 15J tuba that needs a bit of work and at least 1 replacement for a missing valve piston. Seller kind of pulled a fast one on me and now I'm stuck with this thing. I'm at a loss as to where to find/purchase this and I've searched heavily online. I don't really do any instrument repairs expect for mild regular care and maintenance, so this is all new territory for me.

Any help would be appreciated!

[bloke]

Aren’t those the same as the first three pistons of the model 5J ?

[TJTuba]

Aren’t those the same as the first three pistons of the model 5J ?

I have no idea. I've never really had to replace any instrument parts before.

[bloke]

I've heard that laymen can purchase parts from Conn-Selmer, if they pay full retail for them. (??)

Allied-Supply (a parts reseller that only sells to repair shops, and sells parts for prices in-between wholesale and retail) has the four model 5J pistons (4-valve non-convertable...I believe that 1-2-3 are the same as a 15J...??) in their catalog.

[York-aholic]

Us mere mortals can buy parts from Conn Selmer. It ain’t cheap but…

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https://parts.conn-selmer.com/

[DonO.]

Just out of curiosity I took a look at the price list of parts for my new style King 2341. Yep, prices are pretty high but most don’t seem hugely unreasonable. With the exception of one that made me laugh out loud. “King Tuba Case- $1,720.98”.



This case is exactly the same as the MTS case commonly available for $600-$700 except it says “King” on it. Am I right?

[Tubajug]

Which pistons are you missing? All three? I'll have to look, but I think I have some here leftover from a previous project. If I have them, it would be the first and third.

[TJTuba]

Which pistons are you missing? All three? I'll have to look, but I think I have some here leftover from a previous project. If I have them, it would be the first and third.

I'm missing the 2nd valve piston and assembly.

[Tubajug]

Which pistons are you missing? All three? I'll have to look, but I think I have some here leftover from a previous project. If I have them, it would be the first and third.

I'm missing the 2nd valve piston and assembly.

Rats, sorry! I used the second valve as a 4th valve on a project horn.

[DanMax]

If the 15J's valve cluster is the same as the 12J's--which I heard somewhere was the previous version, replaced by the 15J--I may be able to help you out.

I'm attempting to have a working 12J pieced together from two junker 12J's. Yeah, I know. :)

I will wind up with an extra valve cluster. All three casings, all three pistons, all etc.

A working valve cluster, with good compression? Too early to say, but quite possibly.

I'll know before too long.

Happy new year to anyone who could use one.

[DanMax]

Prediction: 45 well informed people will now weigh in on the subtle differences between 12J and 15J valve clusters.

15 votes for "12J valves in a 15J would obviously never work."
15 votes for "15J and 12J valves are exactly the same."
15 votes for "12J valves in a 15J would be a step up/down."

Edjumicate me, for I am iggerunt.

45 votes for "DanMax will never get that 12J together, anyway.

[York-aholic]

Prediction: 45 well informed people will now weigh in on the subtle differences between 12J and 15J valve clusters.

15 votes for "12J valves in a 15J would obviously never work."
15 votes for "15J and 12J valves are exactly the same."
15 votes for "12J valves in a 15J would be a step up/down."

Edjumicate me, for I am iggerunt.

45 votes for "DanMax will never get that 12J together, anyway.

You know us well!

[The Big Ben]

If a used one doesn't show up, go to a music store/repair store and have them order one from Allied or Conn-Selmer. Find the numbers yourself to make it easy on them. Pretty sure they will want full payment before ordering but....