Posted by Art on August 16, 2001 at 23:13:55:
In Reply to: valve extensions or other remedies posted by *lucky* on August 16, 2001 at 19:23:31:
I made extensions for the first and fourth pistons on my Walter Nirschl valveset by cutting the handle off an old stainless-steel fork and drilling holes. I found machine screws at a hardware store with the same size and thread as the original buttons, and used them to fasten the steel strips to the piston stems with small lockwashers to keep them from turning. I tapped the other holes so that the finger buttons could screw in. I trimmed a little off the knurled edges of the finger buttons with a dremel tool. The system works well, although I suspect that my valve guides will wear out more quickly. (They are easy to replace.)
Note to tuba manufacturers: It's been more than 150 years now. When will you guys take a look at a human hand and design accordingly?