Posted by Joe S. on February 09, 2001 at 00:11:11:
In Reply to: Re: Re: 5th valve options & benefits? posted by Jay Bertolet on February 08, 2001 at 22:40:01:
I can't argue with your obvious success, and I would not step over the line of madness and build myself a 7 valve contrabass tuba - particularly out of an old 3-loop ("floor model") King BBb.
I've both a 6-valve and a 5-valve F (same make and model) of very similar ages and playing characteristics. When I first received the 5 valve, I was tempted by it because of the familiar old CC-style 5-valve fingering system (although I'd had the 6-valve for well over 15 years). When I started critically evaluating the best intonation that I could achieve with the 5 valve set-up, the compromises were apparent. However, as I said, if those notes were "CC" notes like double low D etc., I wouldn't find those problems to be troubling.
I like Willson EEb tubas, too... ...and I never pull slides on my F...' ALWAYS use my embouchure for minor intonation corrections...Viva la difference.