Posted by Jim Andrada on August 24, 2001 at 00:46:19:
In Reply to: Willson 2975 euph? posted by Matt G on August 23, 2001 at 16:45:52:
There used to be a 5th valve attachment available for the Y321 that went into the 4th valve slide. I had one on a 321 and it was OK. I also really liked the 321
But I like my 642 compensator with it's left-hand 4th valve better. Took a while getting used to it and I still muff it from time to time, but I find it easier than using the pinky.
You do re-awaken some good questions - why do euphoniumists like the 3+1 configuration while tuba players don't seem to like it at all? Is it easier to use the (stronger & more independent) left forefinger for fast passages? Tradition? Easier to use because of how the instrument is held? Simpler to configure the compensating system? Works better with top-action valves?
Anyhow, I know that I like it better, but I'm not so sure WHY?
And I also know that using the pinky on the tuba (rotary) doesn't bother me as much as it did on the euphonium.
Anyone have any good theories, hypotheses, or opinions?