Shaping rotary valve keys???


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Posted by Gary S on January 12, 2000 at 22:38:23:

I couldn't think of a clear way to title this question. I have a St Pete tuba which I purchased from Die Tuba last summer. I like the horn very much, so I'm not seeking pros and cons about that. (Please!) The problem I'm having is that the keys on the rotors are in a straight line. I have fairly small hand, and I have a difficult time using 4th valve. I have to sort of drop my elbow and twist my wrist. I saw a photo of a rotary valve tuba where the keys were arched. Can a good repairman do this to my St Pete? I think if the inside of 1st and 4th keys and the outside of 2nd and 3rd keys were cut down (narrowed) slightly, then 1st and 4th could be bent inward which bring all of the keys closer and easier for me to reach. Don't tell me to wait until I grow up, I'm 65 and I'm only growing out and bald!


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