Just got my Adams E3 back from the Adams factory in The Netherlands. Miel and his crew did a few things to include changes to the trigger / main tuning slide and a new leadpipe. Here are some before and after pictures:
Original trigger paddle (I think nickel-silver, not totally sure):
New trigger paddle (Wooden, sort of like some of the trigger paddles on high end trombones with F attachments):
Original main tuning slide:
New main tuning slide:
Original yellow brass leadpipe:
New sterling silver leadpipe:
The switch on the main tuning slide (reversing the legs on the side closest to the outer bow and 4th valve) does several things (in my opinion). One, the slide is designed looser than the others to begin with to allow for easy trigger operation, but the original has the potential to drip / ooze a drop every so often because of this "looseness". Having the legs reversed, eliminates that possibility. Two, the main tuning slide "seems" to operate easier and freer. Perhaps because of the opposite types of legs and receivers on each end of the main tuning slide. And three, there may be potentially a little less resistance with the tube coming out of the 4th valve going "in" to the main tuning slide leg, instead of the other way around as with the original design, however the difference is no doubt very small.
I got a fresh refinish of the horn on the house because of the work done on these things, so when my horn arrived, this was like getting a brand-new horn. Christmas in January!! I continue to be very impressed with Miel and the entire Adams Musical Instrument operation. I love my Adams, not doubt about it! What a spectacular horn.