Holton TR181 in F/G/Eb?

[Cookie0329]

Hi all, I've been playing a tr181 (school owned) for a few years and just today noticed that it looks like part of the D slide comes out and it could play in Eb. Unfortunately, the instrument is pretty old (and not great shape for its age), and the part which I think moves does not. If anyone could let me know if the tuning slide is actually removable please let me know, mostly out of curiosity.

[JohnL]

Yes, you should be able to remove that section.

[Kevbach33]

@JohnL nailed it; that section can be removed. I utilized it when appropriate and to save weight. It is also very open in G. You can also extend it to put both valves in Db; I did this as well for one piece that had a fall from B below the staff.

Which portion is troublesome to remove? The extension or the timing slide in the extension? (On my school's Holton it was the latter and eventually gave way.) Whichever it is, assuming you're still in school, let your director know so they can take it to the tech to free up after the school year.