Sharp Main Slide Lock

[trombinstharry]

Hello all, I recently purchased myself a Bach 50 series bass horn and the main slide lock is pretty sharp. After about 45 minutes of playing, the part of my hand that comes in contact with the lock is pretty irritated and sensitive. Is there anything I could do to help this or do I just have to wait for a callus to form?

[BGuttman]

What part of your hand comes in contact with the slide lock? It's located on the upper cork barrel and you shouldn't be touching it unless you are engaging or disengaging it. Or maybe you are talking about some other part?

[afugate]

I bet this refers to the tenon nut connecting the bell to the slide.

--Andy in OKC

[trombinstharry]

I bet this refers to the tenon nut connecting the bell to the slide.

--Andy in OKC

Yes, that part. I couldn't remember what it was called. The thing that you screw when you're putting the horn together is a big bother

[BGuttman]

How is it sharp? Are there burrs on the knurling from someone using a pair of pliers on it? Is it the edge that's sharp?

[trombinstharry]

Yeah, it's just got a pretty sharp edge that's painful after a short time

[ghmerrill]

600 grit emery paper is good for knocking down sharp edges on brass without removing too much. If it's the nut surface, you might try the emery paper on it and then coat it with clear fingernail polish.

[BGuttman]

I assume you are talking about one edge of the locknut; probably the one that is closest to the slide brace.

Try putting some nail polish on the sharp end. It may take away the sharpness.

Ultinmately you could have a tech file the edge of the locknut down. I'm not recommending you do this yourself unless you can be VERY careful.