Between Practice Sessions - Horn Position

[davewerden]

In the you're-never-too-old-to-learn category, I just discovered something cool! First a couple of background facts.

1. On my euphoniums I typically store them in the hard case or gig bag, positioned at the same angle as when I carry them in the case. That is, they are sidewise with the bell side on top and the 4th valve on the bottom.

2. When I take out my 4th valve to oil it, I almost always find the top pad on the piston is saturated.

It is obvious that any moisture left in the horn is going to migrate to the lowest point, given that it can start its trip inside those nice horizontal tubes. So I figured out that I need to elevate the bell end a little bit. In my case I keep the gig bag on top of a couple soft styrofoam pads in case we were ever to get water in the basement. So I just found a thicker pad for the one end and now my horn sits at about a 10-15 degree angle. The day after I first did this, my 4th valve pad looked normal for a change!

If you usually lay the case down flat, then you don't have to worry because the large bell enforces a bit of an angle.

Just thought I'd mention it.

[DaveBj]

I just leave my horn leaned up against my chair, bell up. The only time I put it in the case is when I'm taking it out of the house.

[RickF]

I had the same experience with my Yamaha 641. For that reason, I started laying my horn flat in its case like you suggest. BUT, it took me a few years to catch on to what was causing that. Also, after my horn (641) was put away overnight, the 4th valve slide seemed to accumulate quite a bit of water. When I'd get it out to play I always had to pull that slide and empty it. This was regardless of how I stored it. I've not seen that with my M5050 however.

[daruby]

Stays upright in my K&M euphonium stand. If the horn is well dried out, it rests edge-wise in the case.

[John Morgan]

Ditto with Doug. Mine stays upright on the excellent K&M stand I have used for years and years. I even know how to order spare parts when necessary (new rubber parts once before). I play daily, most days more than once, so it is out until I go to rehearsals or gigs. I always make sure the slides are empty before putting it in the case. And check the drip catcher, too.

Another tidbit: To keep your slides working freely, push them in when done practicing. I find this keeps the grease from dissipating (drying out) on the slide tubes that are pulled out. Of course, you have to remember to push them in and pull them out, and I am sure for some, it is not worth the effort, but you will have to grease more often.

I feel like I should be sending a copy to Heloise....

[daniel76309]

Is this the stand you guys use?
http://www.dawkes.co.uk/k%26m+euphon...m?catno=ajs186

I purchased a Hercules stand a couple of years ago, and it is a quality stand, but I think it would be better for tuba than euph, and I don't use it much.

[John Morgan]

Is this the stand you guys use?
http://www.dawkes.co.uk/k%26m+euphon...m?catno=ajs186

I purchased a Hercules stand a couple of years ago, and it is a quality stand, but I think it would be better for tuba than euph, and I don't use it much.

That is indeed the great K&M stand. Absolutely the very best euphonium stand I have ever had or found or seen. I do one more thing with this stand. The arms on the sides have curved rubber-like pads that hold onto each side of the euphonium. If it is a little snug (you can adjust it, but I tend to keep it fairly close) you may get a little rubber like residue on your horn which easily wipes off. I counter this by going to Hobby Lobby and buying a sheet of felt paper with a sticky back. I then cut little pieces and line the inside of the rubber arms with the felt paper. Works perfectly. Horn slides in nicely and no smudges that I have to wipe off later.

[daniel76309]

Good deal, thanks! I need to get one of those, and I like the felt idea.

[dsurkin]

Is the Wessex stand equivalent to the K & M stand? The design looks similar, but there's a big price difference.

[John Morgan]

Is the Wessex stand equivalent to the K & M stand? The design looks similar, but there's a big price difference.

It looks very similar. Don't know about the quality, fittings, rubber, heft, weight, etc. I can certainly vouch for the K&M, it is great. The Wessex copy may be very good, too, just hard to tell from the picture. Might be nice if someone can check and report back about the Wessex stand at a convention where I am sure they would have some.

One caution about the K&M: You can pinch the begeebers out of your fingers if you are not careful holding it (folded up) or opening the arms. Fingers seems to be right where the arms bend and they can get caught in between the side and base as you fold/unfold it. I know, as I have done this (once!! - that was enough for me to be careful from then on).

[adrian_quince]

I even know how to order spare parts when necessary (new rubber parts once before).

Hi John, could you let us know how? Mine has lost a rubber foot from going in and out of the trunk one too many times.

Thanks!

[John Morgan]

To order parts for the K&M stand, go here:

************************************************** *
Hi John,

I’m sorry for the long wait, but the shipment has not arrived here yet from Germany. It should be any day now, and we will send your parts out as soon as they arrive here. Thank you for your patience.

Best regards,
John Griffen - johng@connollymusic.com
K&M Tech Support Specialist
Connolly Music Company: US Source for Thomastik-Infeld strings, K&M Stands, Realist pickups, and Heinrich Gill instruments
1-800-644-5268 (ext. 5525)
www.ConnollyMusic.com

************************************************** *

I sent an email to K&M in Germany and they referred me to this outfit in New York. I emailed John Griffen directly and ordered what I needed from him. I got a PDF file from Germany showing all the parts of the stand and part numbers so that I could order precisely what I needed. I attempted to make jpg's from the pdf file and load them here. Hopefully that will work.

[adrian_quince]

To order parts for the K&M stand, go here:

Thanks, John!

[BDeisinger]

Bought my K&M from Horn Guys. I used a spray on adhesive and felt on the rubber pads. Got tiered of removing the rubber marks off the horn. Greatest stand ever.

[carbogast]

I've put an old pair of socks over the pads. Not very elegant but it works well. It *is* a great stand.