Posted by PAUL on April 28, 2003 at 16:10:06:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Pistons vs. Rotary posted by Steven on April 28, 2003 at 00:38:20:
Sorry - resubmitted with one typo fixed.
OOPS!
Talk about trade-offs!
As far as Jazz-type licks that can be done on the horn, the piston would be better.
However, a fourth valve is a real nice addition. It is also somewhat rare on helicons and Sousaphones. My Cervany does the job for me even with only three valves even though it uses clockwork valves.
Play both horns in the context you are going to use them. How does each one play? Check intonation. Bring a tuner with you. Some helicons have questionable intonation. Some horns of that age may not even be tuned to A=440. Would Sousaphone bits correct the problem? What kind of shape are they in? Do they leak? How are the valves? Who were the previous owners? Did they use or abuse the horns? Were they ever in a major accident? Did the occupant use his seat belt?
Call Matt at Dillons to compare what is available. A road trip to beautiful downtown Woodbridge would NOT seem out of line. (Dillon's is also walking distance from a train station.) He usually has a couple of helicons in stock. You can even check their website to see what they have available.
http://www.dillonmusic.com/