Tuning Slides

Tuning Slides (Second generation design.)

(This page needs to be updated.  I will update this page with new information soon and better photos as I have them.)

I am now offering tuning slides.  The design is a modification of
one of Terry McGee’s tuning slide designs.  There is a combination
brass inner slide/ring that is glued to the head joint.  This fits
over the outside of the headjoint, like one of Terry’s  slides,
with the tube projecting down into the barrel joint.  The barrel
joint has a regular socket for the middle joint’s threaded tenon.
With this design the only piece of timber that has any risk of cracking
is the barrel joint, which can easily be replaced or repaired.

The socket is a Delrin (acetal resin) bushing
that is turned from solid acetal rod to fit up in the headjoint.
Being Delryn it won’t swell when wet.  I turn the outside of the
bushing so that it has a snug fit inside of the wood (of the barrel
joint).  Then, I turn in an o-ring near each end of the
bushing.  I do not glue the socket insert in.

The advantages to this slide are that:

1. the brass/acetal resin combination won’t get seized together like brass on brass slides,
2. the socket won’t extend as much outwards force onto the headjoint, as the o-rings are the only point of contact and have an ample amount of “give”, and
3. the socket holds into place with normal use, but can be pulled out if one wants to replace the o-rings or just remove the socket for long-term storage or severe conditions, further reducing possible chances of cracking the headjoint.

I use a Rober Bigio type design for my crowns and stoppers (with his permission).  The north end of the head joint (beyond the stopper) is slightly longer than a normal headjoint, creating a resonance chamber between the crown and stopper.  The end plug has a hole in the middle of it, and utilizes an o-ring for the seal.

The stopper is made from delrin with an o-ring, and has a groove turned into its face.