MeadSprings MEDIUM - Review Thread

[stevevaughn]

[davewerden]

Thanks for the review! I'm using a hybrid version myself, which seems about right for the Adams valves. The stiffness of the springs is affected by the distance from the bottom of the piston's travel to the bottom of the cylinder. In the Adams it is shorter than in a Besson, and I found the standard Mead springs way too stiff on the 1st valve (the longest spring in the set). I finally settled on using the standard 2-3 springs from 2 sets so I'd have enough for all the valves. The light springs are close to this and work well for Adams, which comes with springs that are lighter than I like and allow too much bounce for me.

Using heavier springs WILL reduce bounce and increase the clarity in fast slurred passages. However, as I get older my arthritis becomes more of a problem. Right now I'm "recovering" from a 2-week vacation with no horn. I'm noticing more pain as I finger quickly, which I assume will be back to its normal level (of minor pain) once I get back in shape again. Such issues can arise as we age, and may make spring adjustments necessary for comfort. If I start having more pain I have the option of the Mead light springs, which are a bit stiffer than the Adams standard springs and maybe a bit less stiff than the 2-3 standard springs.

Anyway, judging from your photo, Steve, I'm guessing such constraints are not part of your life yet, so the "heavier is better" concept is good. I spent 23 years working a full-time day job in computers after my band career, and perhaps if I had been playing more regularly during that time I would not have the finger pain at all now. Consider yourself warned!

[miketeachesclass]

I'll second this - I put a set of the medium springs in my Besson, and things are immediately clearer than the light springs it was shipped with.

With the "regular" mead springs, my hands hurt like yours, Dave. The medium springs seem to be the right balance for me.

[daruby]

With the "regular" mead springs, my hands hurt like yours, Dave. The medium springs seem to be the right balance for me.

I will +1 this as well when I had my 2051. I use the medium Mead Springs on my Sterling Virtuoso as well.

[JakeGuilbo]

+1 regular mead springs hurt my hand
+1 light mead springs work perfectly in Adams E3 and have no need to try the medium

[UglyGrayDuck]

I just wanted to chime in and say that the light mead springs are indeed slightly heavier than the stock springs that came in my Q41, so if anyone out there wants something just a tad heavier, but not too heavy, the lights work very well also!