Posted by Lew on May 09, 2001 at 16:07:26:
In Reply to: Fourth Valve on Side posted by Greg McCauley on May 09, 2001 at 15:00:21:
I've never liked it, but there are those who swear by it. It's undeniable that the index finger on your left hand is stronger than the pinky on your right hand. As a result a 4th valve on the side can be more strongly activated. I used a 3+1 Besson in high school. I loved the sound of it, but was never really comfortable with the 4th valve on the side. I feel more "fluid" or integrated in my playing with 4 valves in a row.
Nearly all Pro euphonium players use this arrangement, so it you certainly should be able to get used to it. I just never liked it.