New Finger Buttons for my Sterling
Originally posted by: daruby Earlier in my review, I had mentioned that I wnated to lighten the valve action on my Sterling as much as possible. The finger buttons that come with the Virtuoso are quite large and heavy, similar to those on a Yamaha 321. I prefer the smaller, lighter, more rounded feel of the finger buttons on my Prestige. I ordered a set of 4 from Windcraft in the UK and they came today. Since I am in the US, I was able to get them ex-VAT for a total of 54.04 GBP including shipping. They work great and look cool with the black onyx inserts. The lighter buttons also reduce the tendency of the valves to bounce when they pop back up. I think I am now done with customizations to my Virtuoso. Doug
Doug, is there no U.S.-based source for the Prestige valve buttons? From my experience in the past in trying to get Besson parts (this was during the 2001-2006 debacle), I struggled mightily. Customer "service" was a foreign word in those days.
I'd like to think that those days are over.
Doesn't Besson have a U.S.-source for such routine things like spare parts?
Also, I note from Windcraft's web site that the Prestige finger buttons don't come with the faux pearl inlay. Did you have that material installed in your buttons? Did Windcraft have to outsource that work before shipping to you?
U.S. Army, Retired (built mid-1950s)
Adams E2 Euph (built 2017)
Boosey & Co. Imperial Euph (built 1941)
Edwards B454 Bass Trombone (built 2012)
Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb tuba (built 1958)
Kanstul 33-T lBBb tuba (built 2010)