Holton 185
- BristolBassBoneBob
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Feb 06, 2019
I have been very lucky to obtain a Holton 185 of excellent heritage. It came with the drop in second valve but it seems to be exceptionally fiddly to set it up.
Does anyone have photos of what it should look like on their horn they could share with me?
TIA.
Bob
Does anyone have photos of what it should look like on their horn they could share with me?
TIA.
Bob
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
Did you get THE 185? Very jealous. Do you have pictures of the bits?
Mine was modified a bit after the fact to make it simpler.
Mine was modified a bit after the fact to make it simpler.
- mrdeacon
- Posts: 1225
- Joined: May 08, 2018
You can’t tease us like that! Post photos of the TR185! Those early TR185s are probably my favorite bass trombone.
Lots of those bird nest valve sections were modified or made from scratch after market. It’d also be helpful to see photos to confirm what you’ve got.
Lots of those bird nest valve sections were modified or made from scratch after market. It’d also be helpful to see photos to confirm what you’ve got.
- BristolBassBoneBob
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Feb 06, 2019
I will post photos tomorrow.
- SamBTbrn
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Oct 10, 2023
- nopos
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Feb 25, 2019
My 2 Holton 169s, one with the original with plugin valve and the other modified with independent valves:<ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_20240425_204821.jpg" index="0">[attachment=0]IMG_20240425_204821.jpg</ATTACHMENT>
- nopos
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Feb 25, 2019
Also check out this thread for some pics of an original TR185 with drop in valve: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50</LINK_TEXT>
- SwissTbone
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
[quote="nopos"]My 2 Holton 169s, one with the original with plugin valve and the other modified with independent valves:IMG_20240425_204821.jpg[/quote]
Ok. Now I'm jealous.
Ok. Now I'm jealous.
- mrdeacon
- Posts: 1225
- Joined: May 08, 2018
[quote="nopos"]My 2 Holton 169s, one with the original with plugin valve and the other modified with independent valves:IMG_20240425_204821.jpg[/quote]
The 169 with the independent valves is Chris Stearns old horn. I bought/traded it from him during the pandemic and I put it up on consignment at the Brass Ark. I wish I hadn’t sold it but I needed the money for a move. I’m glad it’s gone to a good home! It’s truly a special horn.
The 169 with the independent valves is Chris Stearns old horn. I bought/traded it from him during the pandemic and I put it up on consignment at the Brass Ark. I wish I hadn’t sold it but I needed the money for a move. I’m glad it’s gone to a good home! It’s truly a special horn.
- BristolBassBoneBob
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Feb 06, 2019
[quote="nopos"]Also check out this thread for some pics of an original TR185 with drop in valve: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]
Please could you post another photo of the non-adapted horn from the other side, so that I can see where the lever is.
Cheers
Please could you post another photo of the non-adapted horn from the other side, so that I can see where the lever is.
Cheers
- stewbones43
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Oct 25, 2018
If I remember correctly (NOT always), there are photographs of the Holton 169 with and without the drop in valve in Edward Kleinhammer's book "The Art of Trombone Playing"
Cheers
Stewbones43
Cheers
Stewbones43
- NotSkilledHere
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Aug 07, 2024
that is gorgeous!!!! 185 with a plug is on the bucket list horns for me for sure!! Those are wonderful horns!
- nopos
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Feb 25, 2019
169 other side: <ATTACHMENT filename="Screenshot_20250111-231308.jpg" index="0">[attachment=0]Screenshot_20250111-231308.jpg</ATTACHMENT>[quote="BristolBassBoneBob"]<QUOTE author="nopos" post_id="263789" time="1736622440" user_id="4962">
Also check out this thread for some pics of an original TR185 with drop in valve: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]
Please could you post another photo of the non-adapted horn from the other side, so that I can see where the lever is.
Cheers
</QUOTE>
Also check out this thread for some pics of an original TR185 with drop in valve: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7519&start=50</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]
Please could you post another photo of the non-adapted horn from the other side, so that I can see where the lever is.
Cheers
</QUOTE>
- BristolBassBoneBob
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Feb 06, 2019
Here it is.
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
Looks like you have all the pieces. The 2nd paddle will clamp onto the main bell brace like the 169 photo above, you'll put in the 2nd valve, and the linkage rod attaches to the paddle with that little ball and socket arrangement.
- BristolBassBoneBob
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Feb 06, 2019
[quote="Burgerbob"]Looks like you have all the pieces. The 2nd paddle will clamp onto the main bell brace like the 169 photo above, you'll put in the 2nd valve, and the linkage rod attaches to the paddle with that little ball and socket arrangement.[/quote]
I have managed to put it together and feel the horn is better balanced with the second valve in.
Please could you show me the modifications you have to your second valve?
I have managed to put it together and feel the horn is better balanced with the second valve in.
Please could you show me the modifications you have to your second valve?
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="BristolBassBoneBob"]<QUOTE author="Burgerbob" post_id="263873" time="1736704168" user_id="3131">
Looks like you have all the pieces. The 2nd paddle will clamp onto the main bell brace like the 169 photo above, you'll put in the 2nd valve, and the linkage rod attaches to the paddle with that little ball and socket arrangement.[/quote]
I have managed to put it together and feel the horn is better balanced with the second valve in.
Please could you show me the modifications you have to your second valve?
</QUOTE>
Mine ended up like this in my hands, though it has been further modified by the new owner-
One of the few instruments I regret selling. I really wanted that one you got!!!
Looks like you have all the pieces. The 2nd paddle will clamp onto the main bell brace like the 169 photo above, you'll put in the 2nd valve, and the linkage rod attaches to the paddle with that little ball and socket arrangement.[/quote]
I have managed to put it together and feel the horn is better balanced with the second valve in.
Please could you show me the modifications you have to your second valve?
</QUOTE>
Mine ended up like this in my hands, though it has been further modified by the new owner-
One of the few instruments I regret selling. I really wanted that one you got!!!
- bassboneman69
- Posts: 290
- Joined: Aug 15, 2018
Hello all,
I am just coming across this post now.
I have two 185’s. One of them has the birdsnest but it’s missing a mounting point and a trigger mechanism.
Anyone have a suggestion for a tech to create one?
Thanks a bunch.
Sam
I am just coming across this post now.
I have two 185’s. One of them has the birdsnest but it’s missing a mounting point and a trigger mechanism.
Anyone have a suggestion for a tech to create one?
Thanks a bunch.
Sam
- BristolBassBoneBob
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Feb 06, 2019
[quote="Burgerbob"]<QUOTE author="BristolBassBoneBob" post_id="264253" time="1736968990" user_id="4471">
I have managed to put it together and feel the horn is better balanced with the second valve in.
Please could you show me the modifications you have to your second valve?[/quote]
Mine ended up like this in my hands, though it has been further modified by the new owner-
One of the few instruments I regret selling. I really wanted that one you got!!!
</QUOTE>
I am very lucky to have bought the horn. Consequently I am doing without beer for a while.
It is great that I can use the horn for orchestral stuff where I rarely need the second valve but it doesn't work so great in big band with the second valve. It is tuned to Eb, so I need a D slide made. Alternating between 1st and both valves and back again is not very ergonomic. But I can let that pass me by as it responds so well and sounds awesome. I am lucky to have it.
I have managed to put it together and feel the horn is better balanced with the second valve in.
Please could you show me the modifications you have to your second valve?[/quote]
Mine ended up like this in my hands, though it has been further modified by the new owner-
One of the few instruments I regret selling. I really wanted that one you got!!!
</QUOTE>
I am very lucky to have bought the horn. Consequently I am doing without beer for a while.
It is great that I can use the horn for orchestral stuff where I rarely need the second valve but it doesn't work so great in big band with the second valve. It is tuned to Eb, so I need a D slide made. Alternating between 1st and both valves and back again is not very ergonomic. But I can let that pass me by as it responds so well and sounds awesome. I am lucky to have it.
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="BristolBassBoneBob"]
I am very lucky to have bought the horn. Consequently I am doing without beer for a while.
It is great that I can use the horn for orchestral stuff where I rarely need the second valve but it doesn't work so great in big band with the second valve. It is tuned to Eb, so I need a D slide made. Alternating between 1st and both valves and back again is not very ergonomic. But I can let that pass me by as it responds so well and sounds awesome. I am lucky to have it.[/quote]
Keep me in mind if you ever want to move on :pant:
I am very lucky to have bought the horn. Consequently I am doing without beer for a while.
It is great that I can use the horn for orchestral stuff where I rarely need the second valve but it doesn't work so great in big band with the second valve. It is tuned to Eb, so I need a D slide made. Alternating between 1st and both valves and back again is not very ergonomic. But I can let that pass me by as it responds so well and sounds awesome. I am lucky to have it.[/quote]
Keep me in mind if you ever want to move on :pant:
- WGWTR180
- Posts: 2152
- Joined: Sep 04, 2019
[quote="nopos"]My 2 Holton 169s, one with the original with plugin valve and the other modified with independent valves:IMG_20240425_204821.jpg[/quote]
Who did your independent valve conversion?
Who did your independent valve conversion?
- mrdeacon
- Posts: 1225
- Joined: May 08, 2018
[quote="WGWTR180"]<QUOTE author="nopos" post_id="263788" time="1736622423" user_id="4962">
My 2 Holton 169s, one with the original with plugin valve and the other modified with independent valves:IMG_20240425_204821.jpg[/quote]
Who did your independent valve conversion?
</QUOTE>
That’s Chris Stearn’s old horn. I sold it on consignment with the Brass Ark during the pandemic. The valves are a Chuck BrassLab valve set.
My 2 Holton 169s, one with the original with plugin valve and the other modified with independent valves:IMG_20240425_204821.jpg[/quote]
Who did your independent valve conversion?
</QUOTE>
That’s Chris Stearn’s old horn. I sold it on consignment with the Brass Ark during the pandemic. The valves are a Chuck BrassLab valve set.
- WGWTR180
- Posts: 2152
- Joined: Sep 04, 2019
[quote="mrdeacon"]<QUOTE author="WGWTR180" post_id="264510" time="1737142657" user_id="7573">
Who did your independent valve conversion?[/quote]
That’s Chris Stearn’s old horn. I sold it on consignment with the Brass Ark during the pandemic. The valves are a Chuck BrassLab valve set.
</QUOTE>
I never played that one of Chris's. And now that I look closer I see Chuck's linkage parts. Looks like a winner.
Who did your independent valve conversion?[/quote]
That’s Chris Stearn’s old horn. I sold it on consignment with the Brass Ark during the pandemic. The valves are a Chuck BrassLab valve set.
</QUOTE>
I never played that one of Chris's. And now that I look closer I see Chuck's linkage parts. Looks like a winner.
- gbedinger
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
[quote="WGWTR180"]<QUOTE author="mrdeacon" post_id="264519" time="1737145745" user_id="3239">
That’s Chris Stearn’s old horn. I sold it on consignment with the Brass Ark during the pandemic. The valves are a Chuck BrassLab valve set.[/quote]
I never played that one of Chris's. And now that I look closer I see Chuck's linkage parts. Looks like a winner.
</QUOTE>
Looks like the valveset I sold to Chris; if so, I purchased it in 2008 from Jack Schatz. If not mistaken, he commissioned the work from Chuck.
That’s Chris Stearn’s old horn. I sold it on consignment with the Brass Ark during the pandemic. The valves are a Chuck BrassLab valve set.[/quote]
I never played that one of Chris's. And now that I look closer I see Chuck's linkage parts. Looks like a winner.
</QUOTE>
Looks like the valveset I sold to Chris; if so, I purchased it in 2008 from Jack Schatz. If not mistaken, he commissioned the work from Chuck.
- WGWTR180
- Posts: 2152
- Joined: Sep 04, 2019
[quote="gbedinger"]<QUOTE author="WGWTR180" post_id="264533" time="1737150819" user_id="7573">
I never played that one of Chris's. And now that I look closer I see Chuck's linkage parts. Looks like a winner.[/quote]
Looks like the valveset I sold to Chris; if so, I purchased it in 2008 from Jack Schatz. If not mistaken, he commissioned the work from Chuck.
</QUOTE>
Oh wow! I remember that section. Small world.
I never played that one of Chris's. And now that I look closer I see Chuck's linkage parts. Looks like a winner.[/quote]
Looks like the valveset I sold to Chris; if so, I purchased it in 2008 from Jack Schatz. If not mistaken, he commissioned the work from Chuck.
</QUOTE>
Oh wow! I remember that section. Small world.
- Fairlane57
- Posts: 531
- Joined: Apr 15, 2018
Interesting pics.
- WGWTR180
- Posts: 2152
- Joined: Sep 04, 2019
[quote="Fairlane57"]Interesting pics.[/quote]
which ones?
which ones?
- blast
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
That was a nice horn....eventually! It came to me with an unverified story of having been ex Ray Premru. Valves were modded Holton, but not good. The slide had a patch and was unusable. Luckily, I had another. THEN it was a good horn.
- Fairlane57
- Posts: 531
- Joined: Apr 15, 2018
[quote="WGWTR180"]<QUOTE author="Fairlane57" post_id="275012" time="1746457097" user_id="3074">
Interesting pics.[/quote]
which ones?
</QUOTE>
<IMGUR id="0rphb4o">https://i.imgur.com/0rphb4o.jpeg</IMGUR>
Sorry for the late reply. I just thought there was a lot going on with the angles of the bird nest valve.
Thanks, Bob
Interesting pics.[/quote]
which ones?
</QUOTE>
<IMGUR id="0rphb4o">https://i.imgur.com/0rphb4o.jpeg</IMGUR>
Sorry for the late reply. I just thought there was a lot going on with the angles of the bird nest valve.
Thanks, Bob
- WGWTR180
- Posts: 2152
- Joined: Sep 04, 2019
[quote="Fairlane57"]<QUOTE author="WGWTR180" post_id="275034" time="1746467116" user_id="7573">
which ones?[/quote]
<IMGUR id="0rphb4o">https://i.imgur.com/0rphb4o.jpeg</IMGUR>
Sorry for the late reply. I just thought there was a lot going on with the angles of the bird nest valve.
Thanks, Bob
</QUOTE>
Agreed Bob. Ain't pretty.
which ones?[/quote]
<IMGUR id="0rphb4o">https://i.imgur.com/0rphb4o.jpeg</IMGUR>
Sorry for the late reply. I just thought there was a lot going on with the angles of the bird nest valve.
Thanks, Bob
</QUOTE>
Agreed Bob. Ain't pretty.