Re: Question about 3 vs 4 valve Compensators


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Posted by Frederick J. Young on November 26, 2003 at 22:16:04:

In Reply to: Question about 3 vs 4 valve Compensators posted by Statman on November 25, 2003 at 13:57:28:

Three valve compensating tubas are on the average in tune within + or - 2.5 cents. As you said they are very well in tune for the 23 and 13 combination and about 3 cents sharp for the 123 combination. On the BBb tuba that gets you through the entire "bread and butter" range of the tuba. Remember, you must use the 23 combination up to Gb at the top of the bass cleff staff. Although a 4 valve compensator has an extended range, all of the 23 combinations may be out of tune. Sharp if the third valve alone is in tune. Here you gain well in tune low Eb and D, whilst Db, C and B become progressively sharp. As soon as you hold down the 4th valve you get the same intonation you would obtain from an uncomensating 3 valve instrument keyed a fourth lower. Overall the 4 valve compensating instruments are not as well in tune as the three valve ones.

In most situations I have played in, no one was ever questioned by the conductor when he or she played a note near the pedal note up an octave.

Thus I believe you can save some money and have less weight to carry and be happier playing a three valve compensating BBb tuba.


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