Posted by Frederick J. Young on November 01, 2001 at 09:36:45:
In Reply to: Re: Re: 3-valve, compensating EEb? posted by Sam Gnagey on November 01, 2001 at 02:04:00:
Before WW II they actually made full double tubas and Gronitz still does. You are correct the ones available now are indeed 4 valve compensating models.
As regards to obtaining the extended range it would be easy on the euphonium. One would wrap and Eb alto or small Eb bass together with the Bb euph. Each would have 3 compensating valves. There would be a single switch valve in the lead pipe which would chose the desired instrument. Think of the muting possibilities. The same thing could be done with tubas but the result would be a bit large and heavy!