Posted by Don Shirer on May 11, 2003 at 22:40:36:
In Reply to: 3 valve vs. 4 valve for beginner? posted by Steven on May 11, 2003 at 19:36:12:
Steve:
I asked about 3 vs 4-valve Eb instruments in January and was given some excellent
advice. You might want to look in the archives, and while you're at it, check on the relative merits of Eb vs BBb in other postings.
I was able to pick up a slightly dinged 4-valve Eb tuba and have been able to play
everything in the local community band folder. The low Ab called for in about 20%
of the numbers would be difficult on a 3-valve Eb instrument, but of course is easy on
any 3-valve BBb contrabass.
Have never played a Besson compensator, but have been told they are quite nice,
possibly expensive to find.
The choice of buying a relatively cheap tuba (that plays in tune) regardless of
configuration has one advantage. In a year you'll probably be itching for a better
instrument and you will have the fun of shopping for one with a lot more knowledge
of what you really want!
All that aside