TromboneChat

Any idea if a counterweight from an 1960s Olds Recording will fit on a 1950s Olds Special?

As footfall seems to have increased lately, thought I’d bump this and see if any new arrivals can help.

I've got the counterweight, and the Recording it lives on, and a Super that it fits too, but no Special with which to compare.

Are braces same?

Not sure if the dimensions are the same.

OK, I wrapped a piece of wire around the Recording post(s) on which the counterweight fits, straightened it out, and measured, giving the post an approximate outer diameter of 1 5/8".

If someone can do this with a Special, we'll have our answer. Slightly smaller would be ok, to a point - the counterweight can be padded a bit on the inside with cloth tape or similar.

(Hopefully my Super is out at my parent's place, can't find it!)

Thank you. Appreciated.

I have both horns but don't know off the top of my head unless i dig them out of the basement. I've always felt that the older Special doesn't really need a counterweight, unless you like to use a bucket mute. The mid 70's version came with the oblong counterweight. I believe the braces are the same on the 70's Special as compared to the older L.A. Specials. But compared with the Recording...... guess would be.....not really? I'll check tomorrow.....

So I tinkered around with various Olds horns and the result is...
No, the Recording counterweight is too big for the Special.
The Studio counterweight however, will fit the Special.

Very interesting and very helpful. Thank you.