Posted by Klaus on October 03, 2000 at 09:48:07:
In Reply to: a good tuba posted by lost without one on October 03, 2000 at 08:33:10:
If you are strong in money, then of course go buy yourself a new tuba. If that aspect is a tight one, then there might be a few things to do:
Find those leaks! Fill that tuba with water. Use a hose connected to the leadpipe. Fill the valve loops as well. Every place the water comes out, except for the bell, there is an unwanted leak.
If the water is pouring out around the valves, then give up the project. Else make sure you take notes of all the leaks. You will probably need a second pair of helping hands anyway.
Empty the tuba. Tighten all possible leaks temporarily by means of gaffa or other tapes. If there are leaking ferrules, I usually cover then generously all the way round.
If this betters the playability and the tuning of the tuba, then there might be a job to do for a responsible person with some abilities in soldering.
Sorry to bother this dignified board with such low level solutions, but I have been active in a part of the world where not even plenty of money could bring in a qualified repairman.
Klaus