TromboneChat

Hi All! Does anyone know the mouthpiece bore size of an Olds Special? Thanks!

Not sure what you mean by "mouthpiece bore". Specials have .485"/.500" dual-bore slides.

JohnL wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 3:42 pm Not sure what you mean by "mouthpiece bore". Specials have .485"/.500" dual-bore slides.

Sorry, badly worded. I’m just trying to find out what size shank I need to get for a special.

I’m trying to figure out which option to choose

Arendsdale wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 4:02 pm I’m trying to figure out which option to choose

That is specific for Doug Elliotts system. A standard small shank mouthpiece will fit. Or you can email Doug for his input if you’re looking to buy one of his setups.

Elow wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 4:48 pm

Arendsdale wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 4:02 pm I’m trying to figure out which option to choose

That is specific for Doug Elliotts system. A standard small shank mouthpiece will fit. Or you can email Doug for his input if you’re looking to buy one of his setups.

My bad, I should’ve specified that I’ve got a setup from Doug already, but it’s large bore. I’m checking out a Special this weekend and want to use the same rim and cup and will need a small bore shank.

You could have just asked me...
I make a specific Olds shank size, which is slightly smaller than a regular small shank. With most older Olds trombones, a regular small shank doesn't go in quite far enough.

So for example if you're getting a C cup, the shank would be C2-Olds or C3-Olds.
I'm really not sure which backbore (#2 or 3) would be better for that horn. Probably try a C2-Olds and see how you like it.

I think you have an F+ cup, is that right? I would need to make that shank. And that's a pretty deep cup to go on an Olds Special, although it could work.

Doug Elliott wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 5:20 pm You could have just asked me...
I make a specific Olds shank size, which is slightly smaller than a regular small shank. With most older Olds trombones, a regular small shank doesn't go in quite far enough.

So for example if you're getting a C cup, the shank would be C2-Olds or C3-Olds.
I'm really not sure which backbore (#2 or 3) would be better for that horn. Probably try a C2-Olds and see how you like it.

I think you have an F+ cup, is that right? I would need to make that shank. And that's a pretty deep cup to go on an Olds Special, although it could work.

I was planning on giving you a call once I checked the horn out! And yup! I’ve got an F+ cup with a G8 shank!

Arendsdale wrote: ↑Tue Oct 25, 2022 5:14 pm My bad, I should’ve specified that I’ve got a setup from Doug already, but it’s large bore. I’m checking out a Special this weekend and want to use the same rim and cup and will need a small bore shank.

Doug Elliott will make you a shank that actually fits properly in an Olds tenor trombone. (Standard small shanks are too large to insert to the proper depth in the receiver.) Doug just shipped me a set for my 1968 Olds Recording (0.495"/0.510" dual bore - a bit larger than your Special), consisting of a D3* Olds Shank, an ST D Cup, and an ST 99 Rim. It works great. [Thanks, Doug.]

I would venture that your F+ Cup and whatever Rim you use for large bore are too big for the smaller Special. With such an impedance mismatch, you might not get good results with the Special, and inappropriately blame the trombone. As Doug suggests, you would probably be better off with a completely new setup, starting with a C2 Olds Shank, an ST C or ST C+ Cup, and the Rim size that works for your embouchure.

Doug is great to work with, but he probably cannot get you a custom set by this weekend. So to try out the Special, I suggest using your favorite standard small-shank mouthpiece, understanding that it won't insert all the way. It'll still give you a pretty good idea how the Special plays and whether you like it. Or you could get your hands on an authentic Olds 3 mouthpiece, as originally supplied with the Special!

Good luck!

Thanks for all the input everyone! Picked up the horn today and it’s beautiful! Looks almost as good as new!