Damping valve casings : It works!!


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Posted by James S on January 16, 2001 at 11:55:46:

Going thru the archive, I notice somebody (Klaus?) mentioned that the reason why the besson compensating tubas (994) outperforms the non-compensating tubas (794) even in the ranges where the compensating doesn't kicks in is mainly due to the fact that the pistons on the compensating models are heavier than the non-compensating tubas. This makes the vibration of the instrument less disruptive to the air flow (?).

Thinking along this line to limit the vibrations I recently tried damping the valve casings of my 794 with a combination of leather strappings and blu-tack. The result? While it doesn't reaches the level of the 994 (Get real!) I must admit that the performance of the instrument has improved. High ranges feels more secure and notes changing is a lot cleaner.

My question. Why is this so? Perhaps some instrument experts like Joe S could commend? BTW nice job on the York Tuba Joe. It really is an eye opener. Never seen it done before in my country.

Have a nice day.

James Soh


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