Holton Bass trombone experts needed

[schiffko]

Are the tuning slides interchangeable between old 169`s and later 185`s and even 180`s and 183`s?
Or do the later 180 models have a smaller and/or different bore size/taper?
I just mean if both (small and large) receivers have the same size. since Holton trombone were and are very inconsitstent I am shure they are not interchangeable between the horns.
thanks so much.

[FOSSIL]

Yes, they can be interchangeable...often those with a brace will need adjustment but the tubes themselves stayed the same. The actual tuning slide taper did vary over the years.

Chris

[btone]

From what I have heard, I believe they often may have been inconsistent as to the interchangeability of tuning slides and also handslides. Not that they neccesarily are; I'm sure Chris has owned more Holtons than I have. Maybe it was just a matter of how they were fitted at the factory? With my 169 and 185, which are very few years apart in manufacture, neither the hand slides or the tuning slides are interchangeable.

[schiffko]

thanks a lot for the info.
the tubes themselves stayed the same over the years. this is what I wanted to hear ... thx

[Tbarh]

I used to put a tr180 Tuning slide on my tr 183 (No crossbrace)... Got Even more responsive

[mrdeacon]

I've owned half a dozen vintage Holtons and none of them have had a fully compatible tuning slide. A handful you could force on but it wasn't an easy fit.

It is not an issue for a good tech to fit a Bach 50/Holton style tuning slide to a vintage Holton. The big thing as Chris said is the taper changed over the years between the 169, TR85 and TR180. I've always preferred the 169 style tuning slides but the TR185 tuning slides aren't anything to sneeze at either!

[WGWTR180]

All 3 of my 180s will take each other's tuning slides. Ironically enough the D/long E/Eb tubes seem to be the most consistently built part of the instrument as those slides, even my custom D slides, ALWAYS fit. Playing slides?? Usually not even close. I also believe that the later 180 tuning slides are dual bore, or dual tapered?? Someone can double check me on this.

[Tbarh]

All 3 of my 180s will take each other's tuning slides. Ironically enough the D/long E/Eb tubes seem to be the most consistently built part of the instrument as those slides, even my custom D slides, ALWAYS fit. Playing slides?? Usually not even close. I also believe that the later 180 tuning slides are dual bore, or dual tapered?? Someone can double check me on this.

Very different weight on the different slides too.... Consistent unconsistent!!!

[WGWTR180]

All 3 of my 180s will take each other's tuning slides. Ironically enough the D/long E/Eb tubes seem to be the most consistently built part of the instrument as those slides, even my custom D slides, ALWAYS fit. Playing slides?? Usually not even close. I also believe that the later 180 tuning slides are dual bore, or dual tapered?? Someone can double check me on this.

Very different weight on the different slides too.... Consistent unconsistent!!!

Yessss!!!!!

[JackSchatz]

In over 30 years of playing Holton TR 185's and TR 169's I have found that all their tuning slides are interchangeable. TR180's as well. Ironically over the years I have experimented with a few Bach 50 tuning slides that also fit perfectly.

[Tbarh]

In over 30 years of playing Holton TR 185's and TR 169's I have found that all their tuning slides are interchangeable. TR180's as well. Ironically over the years I have experimented with a few Bach 50 tuning slides that also fit perfectly.

Jack, have You tried a tr 180 Tuning slide on a 169 or 185?...i used my 180 Tuning slide on my 183.. Even more responsive...

Trond

PS!,.. Jack, I own and play one of Your older horns... E 185 with custom D plug in... Greatest bass i have ever played..

[JackSchatz]

Yes, I have tried a late "60's TR180 tuning slide on my TR185 and it played nicely. Glad you like the TR185!