Posted by Patrick on December 21, 2001 at 19:17:31:
Once I played on a custom-made tuba where the 5th valve was attached to the 4th valve tubing (meaning that the 5th valve was only accessable when used in combination with the 4th). This was done because the owner didn't want to constantly blow through five valves, but only when nessessary. He found the resistance of blowing through only four valves preferable. It was a fantastic tuba, but it would have been even if the valves were normally lined up. Regardless, I wonder if anyone else has encountered this phenomenon, or has an opinion about this idea? Thanks.