Posted by Bill B on April 07, 2001 at 21:52:55:
In Reply to: Db Piccolos? posted by ken k on April 07, 2001 at 21:22:17:
Db piccolos were originally made because many of the band pieces of the mid 19th century were in 4-6 flats. It made the fingering easier and probably helped the intonation.
Personally, I think a tuba in D not Db would be a interesting instrument to have, and would have advantages on some orchestral literature.