Posted by Lew on April 27, 2001 at 16:32:47:
In Reply to: 3 Valve Vs. 4 Valve posted by Matt G on April 27, 2001 at 08:21:01:
I see no real problems with starting students on 3 valve horns. They can be easier to handle for the smaller students, and you raise some good points. I don't know about the slide pulling though because many 3 valve horns are top action and the slides are not really accessable.
I wouldn't suggest that a parent buy a 3 valve tuba for a student because, if the student sticks with it, they will eventually need the 4th valve, and a 4 valve horn keeps its value better.