Posted by Christian Klein on February 12, 2003 at 05:50:51:
In Reply to: intonation repair posted by Dave on February 12, 2003 at 02:05:39:
I've seen Yamaha's name mentioned in this context before. Yamaha tubas don't play any better in tune than any other make (so I really don't "get" where yamaha comes in here).
Software does exist that can design you a "tube" with all the open notes in tune. Adding valves will screw this up of course.
I think that if Yamaha was concerned with this (or if they actually could do it), they would be doing it already.
Comparing the intonation of open notes with fifth valves and slide triggers is an "apples and oranges" comparison. fifth valves and slide triggers will still be needed even if you had an instrument with all the open notes "in tune" due to the inherent flaws in the valve system(s) in use on tubas today.
cheers,
Christian Klein