TR180 mod

[bigbandbone]

I’ve got a stock Holton TR180. I’m fine with the Glance bar, no need to split the triggers.
But I’m looking for a more centered and aggressive sound.
I’ve already added a peel-and-stick strip of foam to the bell flare and switched to a V cup Marcinkowitz mouthpiece which has helped.
Would switching the Holton bell out for a thin yellow brass Conn 72H bell help? Would it fit?

[WGWTR180]

Original lead pipe?

[modelerdc]

A easy conversion would be to get a used Holton Tr183, with the smaller 9 inch bell. It would be very easy to fit to the Tr180 and would give a brighter more compact sound all using Holton parts.

[bigbandbone]

Original lead pipe?

Yes

[WGWTR180]

Original lead pipe?

Yes

I own more than a few 180s. The pipes are a common problem. I’d start there.

[RichC]

I'd second what Bill said...find a leadpipe that works better.

[Bonearzt]

MORE aggressive than a 180??!?!?

[WGWTR180]

MORE aggressive than a 180??!?!?

Some are very dead sounding because of bad pipes.

[Lastbone]

I use a JK 03AK on my 180. It rocks. The JK 02AK is even more aggressive. Have the triggers redone, and make sure that the valve cores are opened up enough. I would leave the original lead pipe. There is nothing that the 180 can't do. Find the right mouthpiece for you.

[Tbarh]

Bach 50 slide

[BoNeLife]

The horn could have leaky valves, repairing or replacing would give you the result you seek.
If not, bells will play brighter if they’ve been damaged and repaired, that’s cheap mod.
You could swap out the receivers and make it compatible with shires or edwards stuff, that’s a fairly simple change.
That’s all I can think of