TubaForum.net

Hey all,

I've gotten a lot of questions over the last few years about where I'm buying parts for my (German, Swiss) instruments, as a CONSUMER, not a repair specialist. I thought I'd put all relevant information and places here for your convenience.

I always like handling parts orders for myself because I know exactly what I'm ordering, and there's usually no middle man to screw things up.

Thumb rings, screws, posts, and other odds n' ends:

Check with Voigt Brass. They make a LOT of different stuff. I ordered a thumb ring for my PT-6P like 5 days ago, and it showed up today direct from Germany. Yes, I paid tariffs and import dues, but jeez, if they can ship this quickly, why can't the other guys?

Email: contact AT voigt-brass DOT de

Meinl Weston parts - Bells, Crooks, Leadpipes, and other things

I'm sure these guys will be able to help with B&S too, as they're made in the same factory. I've emailed Warren Kus mostly, who set me up with Ruben Gedlaman, who I believe is their parts manager. Here's how I've done it: Ruben can get me the part numbers, and any Buffet dealer can order those specific parts. BE AWARE - I've gotten an educator discount because I order through the company that services my schools. I wouldn't count on our prices being the same.

I haven't ordered from these guys in a long while, but that's how I did it. If you need help finding a dealer, check with your repair guy, or check with big music rental companies (Quinlan & Fabish in the Midwest is who I used).

Be prepared to wait for 4-8 months depending on what/when you order, and expect to pay tariffs and import dues.

Email: ruben.gedlaman AT buffetcrampon DOT com
Email: warren.kus AT buffetcrampon DOT com

Willson parts

Okay, this one's actually really easy. All of Willson's stateside business has and will continue to be handled by the SE Shires company. Speak to their repair department (last I ordered, Paul Chadbourne is their manager) and they will be able to order parts for you, and ship them from Boston when they come in. As with Buffet, expect to wait for several months, but typically you only pay when they arrive. I've ordered countless things from them and Paul is a huge asset over there. Thanks, Paul!

Website: https://www.seshires.com/repairs
Email: repair AT seshires DOT com

Other stuff - Springs, cleaning products, etc

Amazon... Ebay... Whoever's got it the cheapest.

Paul is the man! I’ve worked on a handful of projects with him and he is the nicest dude and an awesome tuba player.

Not directed specifically to David, but: can one order complete CC or BBb length piston valve blocks from Buffet (or Willson)?

That would sure make my life easier, but even if that's possible, I'm imagining the price will be $X,XXX.

Something I recently found out, just to tack on to the above, is that even though Eastman bought out Shires and Willson, the good folks at Shires don't necessarily stock Eastman parts.

Blake - No idea. I would assume “yes” from Willson. I’ve bought a whole bunch of random stuff from them, and I assume they make all those piston and rotor blocks in house.

MW? I think it would be harder. Doesn’t Meinlschmidt make their piston and rotor valves? I’d assume, if you pay for it, they’ll make it. That said, I did get an entire rotor assembly from them, so it wouldn’t be out of the question.