TromboneChat

Hey all,

Does anybody know a good tech who can build a wrap with instrument innovations bass axial valves (independent) to fit a shires bass? Currently, I have rotors and I'd be curious if this would be more cost-effective than ordering an axial section from Shires.

Thanks!

We have several techs here on the forum that do that kind of work all the time. Where are you located?

Define "cost effective".

Generally speaking, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is absolutely true when it comes to this type of work. Sure, you could probably find a tech that would do what you want, for a.lower price than what you would pay for a factory valve set, but will it be as good?

Does the tech do buffing/lacquer? How "good" is that buffing/lacquer? How much of an understanding does the tech have of the workings of the valve should issues arise?

"Less expensive" isn't always good..

I'd get Olsen axials because you want them, not because they'd be cheaper.

I could have worded "cost-effective" much better. I really meant that as far as final costs are considered, if it's equitable to a stock axial section. I'm fully aware that cheaper isn't always better, and would expect to pay a good price for quality work. Just not sure where to start as I'm based in Minnesota (around the MN/IA) border, and I'm not aware of any techs beyond the typical repair techs, and they've all passed on building a valve section.

Do you like the way the rotors play? Are they the standard rotors?

I would think most likely that hunting down an already made shires Axial section would be the easiest way. It's more than just building the valve wraps and such. You also need the correct shires attachment hardware, bracing, etc. Most techs don't have that stuff on hand.

Here is a pretty good number for you. $3000.00 buck possibly $3600.00.

The parts are $2000-2400. Instrument innovations valves and parts are not expensive but Shires parts are. I ordered the bracing etc...for mysell and it was something like 800 bucks for parts to make a from scratch set of axial valves.

Labor to fit, buff etc...is expensive.

The rotors are much less expensive to deal with.

Benn

One of the big expenses that people don’t realize are the linkages. Getting a good set and also making them have good geometry isn’t cheap! But getting a good, smooth set of them makes an enormous difference

Matt K wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 6:59 pm One of the big expenses that people don’t realize are the linkages. Getting a good set and also making them have good geometry isn’t cheap! But getting a good, smooth set of them makes an enormous difference

That is a part of the job though. At least it should be. And does tie in with my comment about the degree of technical ability of the tech doing the work. If the tech can't fabricate levers that function well, then they perhaps aren't the best person for the job. Some valve makers (Hagmann for example) do make levers to go with their valve sections, but they aren't necessarily a "plug and play" item. It is possible to stuff them up!

Druidman, have you asked Merlin Grady?