I'd like to know more about the manufacturer and approximate date of production of this tuba. It looks like a fairly old model, but there's hardly any information available, so I'd appreciate any information you can provide. It's a B♭ tuba, probably made by V.F. Cerveny, and the model number is ABB885. It also has six rotary valves; valve number 5 is for tuning, and valve number 6 is probably for an A♭ tuba
I've fallen into the mouthpiece rabbit hole! Lately, I've been having trouble hitting high notes, and even in the mid-range, I've started experiencing a double jerk when I play louder. I've been using a Lassky Alessi 55 YMPH mouthpiece (I also have a SOLO), but I've been using it for about three years, so I'd like to try a new one. I bought the Ultimate Brass Yamatenor 5, which I'd been curious about, and the double jerk has disappeared, and I can now play high notes much more easily! However, it's heavier than I expected! After trying out various mouthpieces, I've figured that the best size for a new one would be larger than 25.5mm but smaller than 26.0mm. I haven't tried Griego or some of Alessi's old signature mouthpieces yet, so I'm curious about those. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for mouthpieces in this category! I'd love to broaden my options with the wisdom of the world 😊
I want to know about the production lot of the Shires Q series! It's almost been a year since I bought my Qalessi, and I saw on a website that the lever shaft thickness of the Q series varies depending on the production lot, sometimes being the same size as the Custom series and sometimes being thicker. Also, looking at photos, the font of "S.E.Shires" on the rotary cover and bell differs from one instrument to another, and some have a "Q" engraved on the tuning slide, so I don't know what's going on! There's hardly any information about this in Japan, so I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me anything you know. If all goes well, I'd like to install lever covers from PAUL'S CUSTOM BRASS WORK! You're my only hope!
I found a trombone at school, but I have no idea what manufacturer it is. The markings say "2000 CUSTOM SERIES U.S.A." Could you tell me when it was made and how much it might be worth?
I've been using Ultra Pure valve oil for a year, but I just ran out. So I got Hetman #11 Light Rotor Oil as a replacement! However, I've heard a lot of people say it's better to clean the instrument when changing oil. Instrument cleaning is expensive, so I don't really want to do it. Therefore, I'd like to know if there's an easy way to clean the rotary valves at home. Please help! 🙏