Attaching 2nd valve to Bach 50

BassPosaune · 2024-06-23 1:53 a.m.

Hi all,

I have a Bach 50 BO I'd really like to add a second valve to. I've asked my teacher what I can do, and he gave me 2 options:

1. Buy a new valve section, put bell on new valve section

2. Put a new valve on the existing instrument

What would you guys do? Any price estimates? Thanks for any replies!

SwissTbone · by **SwissTbone** » 2024-06-23 7:17 a.m.

What valve do you have on your Bach 50? Traditional rotary valve?

Matt_K · by **Matt_K** » 2024-06-23 7:31 a.m.

If it’s a 50B you’ll have a little more trouble due to the bracing. Other models 50T, 50BO, etc. are a little easier. Whoever does the work will be able to give you the best answer. Ballpark you’re looking at 1k-~3K with 1k being “you

Got really lucky and got really cheap parts (which does happen from time to time which is why I even mention it. I’ve gotten lucky over the years personally )

elmsandr · by **elmsandr** » 2024-06-23 9:22 a.m.

It’s probably cheaper and easier to buy a horn that already has two valves. But, more fun to do the work.

Finding a decent double valve section used takes time and flexibility. Figure out what you want and be constant in watching.

Good luck,

Andy

BassPosaune · by **BassPosaune** » 2024-06-23 12:06 p.m.

[quote="SwissTbone"]What valve do you have on your Bach 50? Traditional rotary valve?[/quote]

Yes, just a normal rotor.

BassPosaune · by **BassPosaune** » 2024-06-23 3:59 p.m.

[quote="Matt K"]If it’s a 50B you’ll have a little more trouble due to the bracing. Other models 50T, 50BO, etc. are a little easier. Whoever does the work will be able to give you the best answer. Ballpark you’re looking at 1k-~3K with 1k being “you

Got really lucky and got really cheap parts (which does happen from time to time which is why I even mention it. I’ve gotten lucky over the years personally )[/quote]

Thanks!

sf105 · by **sf105** » 2024-06-23 7:19 p.m.

how much do you like this horn? Would you be better off looking to trade in for one with two valves.

[also, there is 3) get a plug-in valve made up]

hornbuilder · by **hornbuilder** » 2024-06-23 11:30 p.m.

A plug in valve requires modifications to the existing valve wrap. It is NOT a simple job.

elmsandr · by **elmsandr** » 2024-06-24 9:30 a.m.

As I’ve been staring at adding a plug in valve at my NY 50 for a couple of years now…. I’d rather replace the entire neckline and valve section with a different one as far as “work required”.

Grafting a new valve section on is relatively straightforward. Not $&$#^-ing up the current while adding a nice valve on is hard.

Cheers,

Andy

sf105 · by **sf105** » 2024-06-24 2:52 p.m.

[quote="hornbuilder"]A plug in valve requires modifications to the existing valve wrap. It is NOT a simple job.[/quote]

Never said it was. But I've had one built for a horn I didn't want to cut. Turned out to be the right decision with advantage of being able to leave it off most of the time.

BassPosaune · by **BassPosaune** » 2024-06-25 1:42 a.m.

[quote="sf105"]how much do you like this horn? Would you be better off looking to trade in for one with two valves.

[also, there is 3) get a plug-in valve made up][/quote]

I really like this horn, I'd really prefer to not sell it or trade it.

What is a plug in valve? I've never heard of this term before, could you give an explanation?

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2024-06-25 1:53 a.m.

[quote="BassPosaune"]<QUOTE author="sf105" post_id="246085" time="1719184767" user_id="173">
how much do you like this horn? Would you be better off looking to trade in for one with two valves.

[also, there is 3) get a plug-in valve made up][/quote]

I really like this horn, I'd really prefer to not sell it or trade it.

What is a plug in valve? I've never heard of this term before, could you give an explanation?
</QUOTE>

This isn't the way you would wrap it, but something like this

Really though, don't worry about it. You want a new valve section. I'd recommend finding something like a used Shires or Edwards section and having the horn built around that, if you're on a medium sized budget.

BassPosaune · by **BassPosaune** » 2024-06-25 2:04 a.m.

[quote="Burgerbob"]<QUOTE author="BassPosaune" post_id="246207" time="1719294141" user_id="18219">

I really like this horn, I'd really prefer to not sell it or trade it.

What is a plug in valve? I've never heard of this term before, could you give an explanation?[/quote]

This isn't the way you would wrap it, but something like this

Really though, don't worry about it. You want a new valve section. I'd recommend finding something like a used Shires or Edwards section and having the horn built around that, if you're on a medium sized budget.
</QUOTE>

Thanks for the advice!

Huh, that is one weird looking trombone.

SwissTbone · by **SwissTbone** » 2024-06-25 3:50 a.m.

Actually you'll be probably better off finding a 50b2 used. They can come up at good prices.

MichaelMedrick · by **MichaelMedrick** » 2024-07-04 10:31 p.m.

Someday you'll wish you had just found a second double valve bell. I'm at a phase of life where i am playing local symphony( a lot of pops), chamber music and shows on bass trombone. A single valve does the job and weighs less. Your hand and wrist will thank you.

whitbey · by **whitbey** » 2024-07-13 9:30 a.m.

So many players are upgrading the valves on the trombones that you might find an ok valve set for cheap.

Suggestion that fits well with an independent system. Make the tubing on the 2nd valve a little larger. That will balance the blow and make the horn feel very in balance. I did this to my Bach bass with a dependent Bb/F/C setup.

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2024-07-13 2:39 p.m.

[quote="Burgerbob"]

This isn't the way you would wrap it, but something like this

[/quote]

What the....? So many questions.

CalgaryTbone · by **CalgaryTbone** » 2024-07-13 5:31 p.m.

That wrap wouldn't work in most pits or in the back row in most concert halls - no chance of having that much space behind you. Not very practical!

Jim Scott

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Attaching 2nd valve to Bach 50