Herco Spitballs Unavailable in Europe - Help!

barliman2001

I'm running very low on spitballs... four left in the jar, and about eight trombone size which I can cut down. But no music shop in Europe has any left, or can tell if or when they might be able to re-order... any info out there?

GeorgeB

@barliman2001

If you would consider an international order from the US I think you will find they are readily available at many music shops. I get mine from :
www.austincustombrass.biz

George

Kehaulani

Did you try Thomann?

barliman2001

I tried Thomann - only trombone size left, and only two jars of that, and they have no idea whether they will ever get the stuff again because they don't know who will be distributing them in the future; Musik Reisser in Ulm has two jars left, but only for sale in the shop (which is 550 miles away). Austin Custom Brass has them "Out of stock"... and no one knows what has been happening to the company. Somewhat like the Kanstul story...

GeorgeB

@barliman2001

ACB out of stock ? That doesn't sound good.
George

Kehaulani

If you're desperate enough: https://www.amazon.com/Herco-HE185-Spitballs-Small-Jar/dp/B0002E3GV4

But I used nothing for half a century with no negative consequences. If one must, just get a swab.

Tim Wendt's he Best Damn Trumpet Lead Pipe Swab Period!"

Trumpetb

I agree with Kehaulani

I have never shoved anything in my instruments for 15 years after the first internal clean when I get them.

My instruments are all squeaky clean.

They get flushed with plenty of warm water after every days use.

If gunge detritus debris or particles are not allowed to gather and adhere inside the tubing because they are immediately flushed away, they cannot remain to cling solidify and fester.

This was the method used by Sachmo on all his horns and it worked fine for him, he flushed his horn every day after use.

It costs nothing and the manufacturer of water is unlikely to go into receivership and stocks are unlikely to run out.

I thoroughly recommend it.

I use a faucet aimed down the bell and it pushes everything out that lingers. There are special attachment nozzles that can be used that attach to a hose but my method done in the bath is quick and reliable so extra accessories are unnecessary.

Instruments like trumpets and simple wrap cornets work well, but complex wrap cornets have too much resistance and can block the flow of water easily so accessories to force the flush through these instruments will be beneficial and ensure full cleaning.

particles clinging to the inside of the leadpipe, lead to red rot and this flushing with water clears those particles out exactly like the spitballs do.

The valves need to be left in when you flush just like they do with spitballls.

Maybe it is time to consider a change.

tptguy

Have you considered recuperating/ cleaning and reusing them?(after running them through).
I wash and dry them, then I keep them in a jar of my favorite valve oil. I have been on the same jar since a few years now....
G.

SSmith1226

Dillon Music lists availability of 27 jars

https://www.dillonmusic.com/herco-spitballs-jar/?sku=HE185&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyt-ZBhCNARIsAKH1174oAkpA5OewhC6NJY5WF74oWj53bfGfN84WEqzHVTmwpmaBlbm5xRAaAijhEALw_wcB