Posted by Mark K on January 06, 2003 at 00:42:46:
Hi all,
I've been told SOOO many times while considering a new tuba, "you really NEED a 5th valve on a CC tuba". It's even gone so far as to say a 4-valve CC tuba is traditionally of less worth and interest. Now, in checking the "tips" section of this website and seeing the fingering charts, I only find 4 total notes in the scales that even suggest the use of the 5th valve. Moreover, those 4 are simply alternates to other possible valve combinations. So, my question...why all the hype? Is it all part of the CC mystique? You need 5 valves to be too cool for school? What's up? Is it all a big marketing ploy? Thanks in advance!! Mark K