How to shorten the movement of the triggers / levers on the Thayer Valves?

[nunotrb]

Dear trombone mates and technicians,

I do have a set of 1st generation O.E. Thayer valves for bass trombone and I do feel the movement of the triggers / levers too long. Does anyone has an idea how to shorten the movement of the triggers?

Looking forward to "hear" / read all your advices and opinions!

Thank you,
Nuno

[brassmedic]

One way is to have a tech cut out a section of the part of the lever that's forward of the hinge, then braze the rod back together. The shorter rod will have a shorter throw. Or straighten out the 90 degree bend where the thumb paddle is and re-bend it further up. It's possible that could put too much stress on the rod and break it, though.

You can't really do that with the 2nd valve finger lever though because that needs to be in a particular position.

[elmsandr]

The adjustable levers that Instrument Innovations were making are some more 'kitted' parts to try to make this better and adjustable (to a point).

That said, a good tech (like Brad above), can take actions on existing levers as described, though not without some risk that the mod might not work out like planned.

Cheers,
Andy