Trumpet Horns

[Richard F]

Can anyone explain the adjustments on a pair of trumpet horns? Under the chrome cover is a set of points with the gap apparently set by a pair of lock nuts on a threaded shaft. How is the gap set and how can I check for continuity?

Thanks.

[Guest]

The "Sparton" type horns are easy to adjust, or more correctly, "tune". They do require occasional re-adjustment to stay "in tune" (re-adjusting - re "tuning" the "Sparton type" diaphragm horns was a fairly common service activity in those days).

Here's what you do. First, disconnect the horn you are NOT adjusting. Now, apply power for a second or two to the one you want to adjust or "tune". Do you like the way it sounds..? Has a good "solid" tone..? If not, disconnect power, and "fiddle" with the adjustment to find the "sweet spot", where you will get a nice solid tone...just apply power, then disconnect, moving the screw in a trace, or out a trace, till you get the strongest tone. Then "lock" the adjustment. Do NOT leave the adjustment loose when you are applying power to the horn.

Pete Hartmann

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

now wait a minute!!!!! Could those possibly be considered CLASSIC horns?????? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[Richard F]

Thanks.

Had a short between the two horns-- now fixed and tuned. These things really make a statement when they're right--as if the car didn't have enough "road presence" even without all of the horns working....

[Guest]

Packard V8, you dare use the <C> word describing something as pedestrian as horns??????

Heavens forfend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[6219_Rules]

Classicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassicclassic! Nya! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[6219_Rules]

OK I have a question. Should my Cadillac's two horns sound as one note or should it be a duo tone? If so how do I know what notes to tune them to?

[Richard F]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK I have a question. Should my Cadillac's two horns sound as one note or should it be a duo tone? If so how do I know what notes to tune them to? </div></div>

I had no idea that my question would elicit such a classic response... and even if Pierre has a Frenchman's view of the world, his advice was appreciated.

As to your question: I would vote for a bit of discordance in the pitch of the two horns. Tune them to "C" and "C#"--or something like that. What's a horn for anyway? One ot two little short ones... that's a "HEY! I'm over here!" A long blast... I save that for the kid in the Honda Accord with the loud tailpipe who cuts me off while he's talking on his cell phone. In either case, I want some discordance-- the kind that sets your teeth on edge. I don't find it pedestrian at all. I like the sound of a good, strong 70 year old classic bellow.

Besides, I have three horns working now. One under the hood besides the two "classic" ones. It's too hard to get them to play the same note.

[Guest]

Nahhhh... I would follow Bill Challis's advice to Paul Whiteman in 1928, " let Bix solo for 8 bars in Bp then let Tram follow in C for 4". of course we do not have to be told the great tune that resulted therefrom.................................