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Butler satellite weight?
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 11:54 am
by johntarr
I’m wondering if anyone has tried the Butler satellite counter weight. Does the extended position provide more counter weight due to its leverage than say, a Bach counter weight? Does being able to position it out to the side a bit help with the torque of the bell to the left?
Many thanks for any input,
John
Re: Butler satellite weight?
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 12:17 pm
by muschem
I use one on my tenor. I experimented with a couple of longer rods bent in various ways to provide better front-back counter weight and also to offset the bell rotation tendency. More discussion on this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=36866. For me, it works better than a traditional weight on the brace - extending the moment arm for the counter weight to act upon definitely makes it more effective. The downside can be case fitment, depending on the placement of the weight and the specific case. I was able to find a configuration that works well, and also fits inside my DAC case without requiring me to remove it for transit, but ymmv.
I've also found that varying the position of the clamp on the cross brace can impact the frequency damping effects in different ranges. I had a sympathetic ring around A, which I was able to completely eliminate by shifting the counter weight clamp on the brace. I've never played around with the harmonic pillars in the Edwards harmonic bridge before, but I imagine it is a similar sort of impact in terms of where the weight is placed on the brace, the length of the rod, etc.
Re: Butler satellite weight?
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 12:50 pm
by johntarr
muschem wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2025 12:17 pm
I use one on my tenor. I experimented with a couple of longer rods bent in various ways to provide better front-back counter weight and also to offset the bell rotation tendency. More discussion on this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=36866. For me, it works better than a traditional weight on the brace - extending the moment arm for the counter weight to act upon definitely makes it more effective. The downside can be case fitment, depending on the placement of the weight and the specific case. I was able to find a configuration that works well, and also fits inside my DAC case without requiring me to remove it for transit, but ymmv.
I've also found that varying the position of the clamp on the cross brace can impact the frequency damping effects in different ranges. I had a sympathetic ring around A, which I was able to completely eliminate by shifting the counter weight clamp on the brace. I've never played around with the harmonic pillars in the Edwards harmonic bridge before, but I imagine it is a similar sort of impact in terms of where the weight is placed on the brace, the length of the rod, etc.
Thanks Mike! I can imagine a whole new business idea with weights of different materials, like a big sound pillar system. But seriously, I’m going to try the Olsen slide balancer. I wonder why the Butler satellite weight is $50 dollars more.
All the best,
John
Re: Butler satellite weight?
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 12:54 pm
by Burgerbob
It does work, but they can be awkward- my favorite setup hit me in the back of the head when I put the horn down and didn't fit in the case.
Re: Butler satellite weight?
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 1:42 pm
by ssking2b
I’m using it on my bass trombone because of arm pain. It has worked very well. I have it hanging from the crossbrace on the main tuning slide positioned as close to the gooseneck as I could get it to fit. A music all weights. It hasn’t solved all my arm problems, but has lessened the impact on me greatly. Physical therapy is workin on the rest issue. I balances very nicely now!
Re: Butler satellite weight?
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 1:50 pm
by ssking2b
Sorry about my seemingly lack of good words occasionally. I happens when I am dictating to Siri. FYI Instrument Innovations makes the butler weight for Butler. It’s Just like the Olsen weight but only comes with the straight stick. I guess the price difference is just mark up for Butler.