Posted by Chuck(G) on June 26, 2003 at 16:08:38:
While freeing a stuck 3rd slide on a bariphonium today, I asked myself, "Self, why are long slides built the way they are?"
In particular, why is a long slide constructed of an outer and an inner slide that are a snug fit for their entire length? Why not restrict the snugly-fitting part to the last inch or so of inner slide and them make the remainder of the inner slide a wee bit undersized? You'd still get an airtight seal and would enjoy an easier pull and less of a tendency to have the slide become terminally stuck.
Anyone know why it isn't done this way? Or maybe it is, and I've just not run into it yet.