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[JSBassTrb]

My friend has a conn elkhart with double thumb paddles and wants it changed to modern thumb-middlefinger linkages but is having trouble finding someone to change it. Does anyone know a repairman close to Florida who is capable of doing a job like this?

[tbonedude89]

your friends best bet may be shipping the instrument to someone like Chuck McAlexander or Dan Oberloh to have it done.  And custom linkages don't come cheap either: I think it's in the area of $600 for two triggers (but it includes custom levers).

[John Beers Jr.]

Jox told me there's a guy named "Claude Kashnig" around Orlando who apparently does good work on brass instruments. He might be the first guy to contact.

[JSBassTrb]

I know of Claude, he did some work for me a while ago, I just wasn't sure if it was his area of expertise.

[John Beers Jr.]

Might as well ask him. If he's a tuba player, he's probably as sensitive as are bass trombonists to the problems of linkages on rotary valved instruments.

A dependent bass can be ruined (for me) if the throw on the middle finger feels significantly different (longer or shorter) than the throw on the thumb. Someone familiar with rotary valve instruments would be in a place to judge. And, anyway, better to do it locally so your friend can come in and say "No, I want that paddle a bit further out, and I want it a bit flatter" or whatever if he's going to be spending real money on it.

If he doesn't want to do it, contact Steve Ferguson, Steve Dillon and Noah Gladstone. Ferguson frequently sells fine vintage bass trombone with the option of a linkage modification to split triggers. He could certainly put you on the right track as far as sourcing parts is concerned.

Kanstul might have a "linkage kit" for sale that Claude could weld on.

[Jox]

Jox told me there's a guy named "Claude Kashnig" around Orlando who apparently does good work on brass instruments. He might be the first guy to contact.

 Claude has experience on trombones. He's put a valve on a straight yamaha .551. Harold I know also recommends him. I'm sure he can do this job. Doesn't hurt to ask. Best part is.....


...... HE'S IN YOUR AREA!

[connman93]

your friends best bet may be shipping the instrument to someone like Chuck McAlexander or Dan Oberloh to have it done.  And custom linkages don't come cheap either: I think it's in the area of $600 for two triggers (but it includes custom levers).

$600 for a linkage conversion? Doubt it.

I had a Bach 50b2 converted a few years ago for $150.

[tbonedude89]

$600 for a linkage conversion? Doubt it.

I had a Bach 50b2 converted a few years ago for $150.

I mean with CUSTOM levers (new levers made with a high quality linkage).  Having something like an original bach mechanism converted over to string or miniballs could be around $150.