1940’s Olds Studio Counter Weight options

[mbtrombone]

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knew of a non-olds counter weight that might fit the cross brace on the tuning slide of the Olds Studio? I think they were known as a T15 in the catalogue (from what I gather on brass exchange).

I know the original Olds were soldered onto the tuning slide at the back, but I don’t really want to do that as there are some modifications that will be done to this horn long term that might change the weight of the horn.

I tried a Shires Counter weight, but no dice it won’t slip on the cross brace (the brace is wider than Shires).

Thanks!

Matt

[DougHulme]

My late father put a weight on his that came off of a Besson trombone, I thinnk it was the Westminster model but worth trying any old Besson weights if you find one... Doug

[Geordie]

I had a similar situation on a Special. Got a generic two piece screw together counterweight and had a tech enlarge the hole that goes around the brace so it fitted. You need around 8 ounces. I think we had to add some metal and use longer screws. All very straightforward for the tech. Original olds weights are hard to find.

[Posaunus]

My challenge was finding an acceptable counterweight for an Olds Recording, which has a large-diameter tuning slide brace. It would be a nice service if a TromboneChat member could recruit a machinist / tech to provide such counterweights at a reasonable cost. Add some extra value (& price) by adding some decorative engraving on the weight for additional "bling!"

[JohnL]

My challenge was finding an acceptable counterweight for an Olds Recording, which has a large-diameter tuning slide brace. It would be a nice service if a TromboneChat member could recruit a machinist / tech to provide such counterweights at a reasonable cost. Add some extra value (& price) by adding some decorative engraving on the weight for additional "bling!"

Someone on the old forum did that a while back; maybe Steve Close (Euphanasia)? I don't think he made the transition to the new forum, though.

[CharlieB]

The "small" Olds horns have a brace diameter of 7/16".
The Olds Recording has a bell brace of 1/2".
Standard drill sizes. Pretty simple to re-bore a generic counterweight to either size.
Can't just bore the Shires, though. Design is too complicated.
The Olds Recording is verrrry nose heavy. I used to have two counterweights on mine until I replaced them with a large custom weight.

[mbtrombone]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the info. I’ll keep my eye out for an old Besson weight and consider boring out a generic weight.

Matt

[OneTon]

My Olds Studio was nickel plated on both the slide and bell. The counter weight had a screw similar to Conn
Counterweights. The hole for the brace was offset. This allowed the counter weight to sit closer to the tuning slide bow and produced a larger moment. It felt okay with the counter weight and very nose heavy without. Original Olds Studio counter weights may be hard to come by.

89F74D3E-AEE9-47D5-93DC-C75C62D6E2C1.png

The photo is from Doug Bert’s site at Brass Exchange. The screw is better shown in other pictures.

[fiddlefestival]

I have a 1940s Olds Super. I bought the generic weight from Hickey's ($30), you can get it with King or Conn covers. I also bought a 7/16 drill bit ($5) and drilled it out. Needs a stronger drill than basic battery powered ones (used a 110V), but had no difficulties and it fits perfectly.