TromboneChat

So I've seen it mentioned that installing threaded adapters onto slides adds length. This is true. But here are some examples of what "not" to do, and how it should be done.

In the first photo, the adapter was added without any modification to the barrel, which adds almost half an inch to the slide at that point. Note the distance between the collar and the cross brace. This means your bell and all slide positions are 1/2" further away, and you need to pull your tuning slide in 1/4".

The second photo shows a stock barrel on the right, and a modified barrel, where the threaded collar is correctly installed on the left. Yes, there is added length, but it is only the depth of the collar itself (less than .200" of an inch in this case) This length difference is barely noticeable (bell position and slide positions, wise) and needs less than an 1/8" tuning slide difference.

Hey Matthew,

First of all, I agree with you. The adaptors should not be simply stuck on the top. Trombone players can be very sensitive about the “feel” of how far the slide positions are away from their faces. The slide barrel definitely should be trimmed before installation.

Possibly some techs don’t trim it because it allows the customization to be reversed and returned back to normal? Then again, the barrel/brace flange part can easily be replaced.

Second…… in the second photo, is that an adapter that you machined? It resembled your ferrules a little bit. Looks nice!