Posted by Christopher on October 05, 1999 at 15:00:06:
In Reply to: Pistons v. Rotary posted by Jeff Baker on October 05, 1999 at 14:49:27:
It has been my entirely unscientific observation that people who prefer pistons will tell you that pistons provide better response, intonation and sound; whereas rotor-people are more likely to tell you that it doesn't matter much, whatever you prefer.
So I suppose if such a detail were the only thing keeping your two favorite potential acquisitions from being identical, it would be worth it to get the piston horn.
But I think you'll find as you go shopping that different tubas are so different that whatever subtleties the shape and mechanics of the valves provide are outweighed by the combination of all the other factors. In other words, try all the different horns, and the one you like the most will be so nice that you won't care what kind of valves it has!
Best of luck shopping!