Posted by Rick Denney on May 11, 2001 at 09:02:01:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fourth Valve on Side posted by Klaus on May 10, 2001 at 14:51:01:
I agree with Klaus, and think the modern relevance of the term "saxhorn" being upright instruments with top-action valves. The originals typically had a smaller bore and taper (already mentioned) and a tuning-slide loop in the leadpipe (which is probably the reason for the smaller taper).
And though I agree in theory that a modern euphonium with a large mouthpiece is almost impossible to overblow, it is quite possible from a practical standpoint for me to push the instrument beyond my limits and make an ugly sound.
By the way, Courtois is owned by TA-Musik, and therefore ultimately controlled by Gerhard Meinl. This should explain their savvy marketing of good instruments into a new market that uses very similar instrument designs.
Rick "who sees that tuning loop in nearly every French-made tuba from yesteryear" Denney