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I have a new-to-me Besson 995 with the MW big valves. I’m using the stock springs and I’m slowly getting used to them. I have a set of Yamaha euph springs from the previous owner. I haven’t tried them yet. But from my Yamaha spring experiences on a 2165, I remember them to be soft but too bouncy.

Has anyone tried the Mead springs for tuba and are they still for sale? If still for sale…where? I would like something a bit softer but not bouncy.

Is there another alternative?

Google and you find

I have used 2 sets in my Besson 994, first the tuba specific ones (https://www.euphoniumstore.net/product= ... d-cc-tubas) but recently I switched to the originals (https://www.euphoniumstore.net/product= ... eb-f-tubas)
my valves are very smooth, the lighter ones perform fine and without bounce and no annoying sounds from the springs

I first used the orignals in a Besson 794 (non-comp version of the 994), these have shorter/lighter valves but since I am no longer using that instrument I switched the springs to the 994 as an experiment

I have no experience with the MW big valves, but I cannot imagine them being heavier then the looooong compensating valves in my 994, I would recommend going for the 'Originals'

sidebars:

> Yamaha spring ENDS are dipped in plastic, which - after a few years - begins to peel off.

> When (most any) valve springs are not bent (ie. not even a little bit) and fit within any provided bottom cap inset, my piston valve instruments never suffer from valve noise (regardless of whether there is a plastic coating).

summary:

> bottom of spring diameter might be important, particularly if there's a bottom cap inset.

> springs should not be (not even slightly bent). It's really important for the spring tops and bottoms (at "rest") to be remarkably parallel.


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also:
Rubber appliances which are designed to install inside bottom valve caps: nasty

Piston valve springs last - just about - a person's (or two persons') lifetime(s) without significantly weakening (unless messed with or subject to odd forces).

I use Yamaha springs in my piston tubas (albeit, both are the Nirschl-made small block, and one of them has MAW valves). They’re also in my Holton 345 and 350 blocks. They work just fine, but as Joe mentioned, I do keep an eye on them every couple months just to make sure nothing is peeling.

I haven’t found anything I like better than the Yamaha springs. In previous piston tubas, namely my Willson F, I immediately switched out the factory heavy springs.

Mead Springs - Never tried them, can’t comment. Sorry! Give the Yammie ones a shot. If they’re too bouncy, your local repair person probably has some other strengths to try out.

I use the Yamaha tuba springs too. Have for years based on Joe's recommendation, and I haven't had issues. I just keep an eye on them and keep the horns well maintained!

I use the light springs with my York Eb

I use the Mead Light in the Euphonium. Thinking about trying then in the old Holton Eb, currently have Yamaha in there now and Happy. Just like to fiddle with things.