Selmer Bolero counter weight removal?

[Arvopart17]

Anyone have experience taking these off? It looks like it’s a three piece screw on weight, but I can’t get it to budge. No sticker. Is this just something that needs some penetrating oil and muscle? It may not have moved since the 70’s

[djkennedy]

Knurled edge is the ticket counter clockwise
Oil it up let sit
Gently tap s rawhide mallet
Ez like unscrew
Last resort
Vice grips

[Arvopart17]

Thanks DJ, I’ll let you know how it goes

[OneTon]

I have used Marvel Mystery Oil to pickle slides. It never damaged any lacquer and it may have better penetration than household 3 in 1. Read the label before applying Liquid Wrench or other more exotic penetrating oils. Multiple applications over a week or two may be called for.

A repair technician may be able to apply some heat to help free it up.

[OneTon]

The repair technician also has soft jawed pliers and a calibrated forearm to swing the mallet with. He or she may shore up the offending counterweight with a block of wood and perhaps thin felt to help reduce damage to the brace.

[hyperbolica]

I have one of those rubber strap wrenches I use for situations like this. Lots of torque, no damage.

[Burgerbob]

Judging by the looks of the weight, it matters more than the horn, right? I'd just hacksaw the brace above and below, no damage to the weight this way.

[Arvopart17]

Actually, I quite like the horn, but it’s very back heavy. It’s a bolero with an F attachment - there’s no need for the weight. It has a super focused/projecting sound right now, I’m thinking taking the weight off may dial that back a little too.

[Estraven]

Having owned one of these (Largo, actually), DJ is correct, just unscrew the knurled part counterclockwise. If its stuck I’d use a small strap wrench.

[Arvopart17]

Got it! WD40 and some patience - thank you everyone for the assist.

[Cotboneman]

Glad you got it off. That WD40 is some kind of miracle elixir!

I owned a straight Bolero in the 1980's and had trouble with the counterweight as well. On that horn it was loose and rattled at certain partials, which was very annoying. I didn't think about oiling it back then but instead just took it to a shop, which remedied the problem. Now the thin lacquer coat on the horn which wore though very quickly and turned my neck and hands green, well that's a story for another day!

[Arvopart17]

It’s funny how just 6 additional ounces can make your arm feel like it’s going to fall off after a while. The horn plays great without the weight now.

[Stustang05]

Do you still have this counter weight and if so, are you interested in selling it?

[hyperbolica]

Just for future reference, strap wrench. Get a couple. Never use vice grips again. I use them on DE mouthpieces, valve caps, pickle jars... Very handy, and don't destroy stuff.

[Arvopart17]

Sorry, it’s not with me anymore.

[Stustang05]

Thanks for letting me know.

[MBeal]

Just for future reference, strap wrench. Get a couple. Never use vice grips again. I use them on DE mouthpieces, valve caps, pickle jars... Very handy, and don't destroy stuff.

That's really handy advice. Thanks!