Posted by Alex C on December 09, 2003 at 23:15:07:
In Reply to: Hybrid Revisited posted by dp on December 09, 2003 at 11:34:45:
Dale,
I was the owner of a Meinl Weston CC Symphony Model (the detachable bell, larger than the Wm. Bell model, though) which had the switch.
The .770 had caused some problems in finding a valve section at the time, it was converted in the mid-80's. A 24-J valve section had been grafted onto the horn. Bottom line -- it didn't work very well.
The work was done by some design people at one of the American instrument manufacturers, so the work was solid, if ugly. I wondered if the oval ports didn't cause some of the problems but who knows. The work done to try and make the upright valves work as a front action valve set was daunting. I tried playing it for a year and finally gave it up.
I ended up selling the parts for both horns to a noble instrument repairman who will probably restore both instruments to their original status.
I wouldn't suggest anyone try this idea. I mean, this hairbrained idea.