Re: To Brace or Not To Brace? (repair quest)


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Posted by Lee Stofer on July 18, 2003 at 21:23:12:

In Reply to: To Brace or Not To Brace? (repair quest) posted by Philip Jensen on July 17, 2003 at 10:05:50:

My research and evidence indicates that tension in the tubing and braces, not the mere presence of braces, inhibits resonance. Removing braces just increases the possibility of the instrument getting twisted or having other subtle damage that would decrease resonance. The tubing around the valve casing particularly needs to be reinforced, for torqued valve slide tubing can distort a valve casing and cause a valve to stick or completely seize.
Well-placed braces can actually enhance the response of an instrument, much like the sound post in a string bass. I like to use the 3-piece braces which can be installed, tension-free, without much trouble.

Lee Stofer


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