Posted by Jay Bertolet on April 09, 2001 at 12:58:44:
In Reply to: Re: Conversion of F tubas to Eb posted by Tony Clements on April 09, 2001 at 10:37:01:
Of course, just holding down the 5th valve will turn the horn into a flat Eb tuba. But both your solutions (I hadn't considered the ascending valve approach) will yield an Eb tuba with only 4 "normal" valves. I would prefer 5. Also, my experiences with holding down 5th valves on horns to lower the key by one step has been that the intonation goes absolutely out the window. Further, I don't think an ascending valve would be much use for me in the low range though I'd prefer to think that over a bit before I can say conclusively. Definitely and interesting idea though.
My opinion for what it's worth...