Posted by Tom Mason on August 30, 2001 at 13:09:54:
In Reply to: Re: weight versus area of coverage posted by Rick Denney on August 30, 2001 at 12:16:15:
As I read your comments, another example of mass being added to a valve section came to mind that has not been addressed so far. Here it is:
Many trumpet players add a hand guard to the valve section of their instruments to help keep the wear of acid in the oils of a hand off of the casings. Even those who don't use the covers add the mass of their hand as they hold the instrument. I wonder what the effect is on the sound?
As the hand guard is probably not massive enough, nor was it meant to be a dampening device, I am sure there is some change in the sound.
Another thought in the same arena is:
If you cover more area of the tuba with a lighter material, would it help focus the sound?
Tom