Posted by Rick Denney on April 05, 2003 at 22:22:10:
In Reply to: A *new* question for Matt Walters... posted by Todd Morgan on April 04, 2003 at 19:06:28:
For the most part, Matt is going for an heirloom sound characteristic of classic American tubas. These tubas most have piston valves, and pistons just seem right on them. There are exceptions both among classic American tubas and among Matt's creations, but not many.
But I suspect the real reason is that pistons are "in" at the moment. Think about the costs: A new valveset is about two grand, the hours needed for the cut and the overhaul is at least worth another two or three thousand, and the fifth-valve design, parts, and creation cost probably another grand. If he paid a grand for the raw materials, he has $7000 into the horn. He would have to be absolutely sensitive to every single element of popularity to make sure that it would bring an appropriate price.
For example, Scott's rotary/Beuscher is a truly great instrument, but it hasn't sold. Could the fact that it is rotary be part of that?
Rick "who doesn't see many rotary tubas in the $8000-and-up price range" Denney