Mead Springs worth it?

[jlazansky]

So I've read a lot about the MeadSprings and how they are quieter, individually strengthened for each valve, and all sorts of other stuff. I've also spoken to some peers who say that they are very good but some others say they are too tight or too awkward. I just wanted some opinions from some more people to see if they are worth the buy.

[RickF]

I tried the original Mead springs and they were too strong for my tastes. Since then they've come out with a medium strength which I hear or read have good review.

Welcome to the forum.

[Snorlax]

I'm using the light springs in a Yamaha Neo and also had a set in a Mack 1150.
As Rick did, I found the regular Mead Springs too strong--but I really like the light ones.

[franz]

I have been using them ( the original ones) from some years: at the beginning I found them too hard, but then I insisted and in the end I got used to it. It's a bit like bodybuilding: increasing the load you get stronger.

[aroberts781]

Several years ago I switched out the stock springs in my Schiller Elite with standard Mead Springs. I like them a lot and personally don't find them too heavy. The stock springs on my horn were a little bouncy/rebound-y, especially during fast passages. I feel like I have more control of the valves with the standard Mead Springs.

[davewerden]

I have used the Mead springs for many years and like them a lot. Be aware that different horns have a different amount of vertical space between the bottom of the piston and the bottom valve cap. I like fairly strong springs, but on my horn the #1 spring was much too strong for my taste. My original solution was to buy 2 sets, and use the #2&3 springs for 123. With the lighter Mead springs now available, we have a new option. I tried a set in an Adams loaner and they were a nice solution.

[jlazansky]

Unrelated Question

I have used the Mead springs for many years and like them a lot. Be aware that different horns have a different amount of vertical space between the bottom of the piston and the bottom valve cap. I like fairly strong springs, but on my horn the #1 spring was much too strong for my taste. My original solution was to buy 2 sets, and use the #2&3 springs for 123. With the lighter Mead springs now available, we have a new option. I tried a set in an Adams loaner and they were a nice solution.

Thanks for the input! I just have one question since I'm new here, how do I add the little things under my posts that others have that have their horn model, mouthpiece, title, etc.?

[RickF]

You can add your horn info etc. by clicking on 'Forum actions' up top, then 'edit profile' then 'edit signature'.

Hope this helps.

[TheJH]

atm I'm only using one Mead spring in my Sovereign's 4th valve - for the rest of the valves, it feels like it's not strong enough, but other Sovereign springs I've tried also didn't fit that well aside from the ones that were already in there when I got it, so maybe it's just my valves that are a bit funky.

It works really well in that 4th valve though, most notably the absence of any sound.

[dsurkin]

I was using Yamaha springs in my Mack Brass (JinBao) horn. I started using the lighter version of Mead springs a few months ago, and I like the change.

[Trenton]

I'm adding another positive comment to using Mead springs.

I'm using a simple Conn 14i, 3-valve "baritone" from the later 1960's with "MEADSPRINGS for Baritone and Non-compensation Euphoniums" and am really happy I ordered them. I don't remember the 4-pact costing all that much, even with overseas shipping - maybe around $40 or so.

Here's what immediately proved the $40 was worth it; we were playing John Higgins "The Sixties" and early in the piece the trombones and us, baritones, played the melody to "Breaking up is hard to do" which for me, played a middle, Ab to Eb to open-F and back up to Ab again and of course, the 'bones were pushing us faster... my problem, then was my first valve wouldn't return fast enough to pay a clean, open-F. I tried different oils - which is annoying to switch having to clean the valve casing between each different oil (blue juice, Al's Class Fast Action, Holton). Anyway valve oil didn't help, but the Mead springs did help.

please understand, our director was so annoyed with almost everyone in our comm. band throughout that piece - in that many would not follow the tunes as written but as we remembered, or more like, how we thought we remembered the popular tunes - so a lot of comments and yelling and so a bigger deal to me to play out a clean, open-F and not be a focus of our director.

Anyway the MEAD SPRINGS worked then and two years later, still work very well.

Sorry - a bit long for a positive review but this telecommuting thing for a database programmer in southern Penna is difficult, difficult to remain focused.

Trent

[jblack1]

I have a 1984 Hirsbrunner 378S. Will the Mead springs work for my euphonium?