Amado Water Key Installation
By: J.L. Bowers, The Bandroom
Step One
The first step to amado water key modification is to secure the slide with a slide
expander and vice. Then, carefully heat the existing saddle and nipple with a shop
or handheld torch and carefully remove both of them.
Step Three
Once the slide is clean, secure it once again. Position the amado body with an alignment pin
and a soldering clip. Apply heat, flux and then a small bit of solder to the base. Quench and
dry. Wash the slide well to remove all flux.
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Step Two
Once the old water key is removed, use the torch to heat up the old solder. Then, the
slide must be buffed with GREEN/WHITE buffing compound and chamois wheel to remove the
remaining solder.
Step Four
Now, we need to touch up the raw brass areas left behind; using a low amperage brush
plating kit and a quality plating solution. Towel the excess solution off and repeat
several times until the desired finish is achieved.
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Step Five
The final step is to reassemble all parts of the water key and polish the slide with a
chamois wheel and silversmith polish. You will really enjoy the difference in the tone,
and the ease of operation the amado affords.
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