Posted by A better try: on March 04, 2001 at 19:39:55:
In Reply to: Re: Besson or Courtois compensating tuba? posted by Klaus on March 04, 2001 at 10:41:34:
Something happened during the first sending. So here you have another try:
All 4 piston valve compensating systems are the same in so far as they use the 4th valve as a master valve. It has its tubing routed back through the upper end of the pistons, so that the compensation loops can be taken into use, when the corresponding piston is activated simultaneously with the 4th valve.
One of the problems with this system is the number of bends and piston passages, when all valves are engaged. Hence the bore of the 4th valve tubing is larger, than that of the 3 first valves.
This increase of bore is reached "gently" throught the tubing between the 3th and 4th valves on the 3+1 type instruments. The same effect is obtained on the Besson 983 with a "funny" loop between the adjacent 3th and 4th valves.
Which of the listed instruments, that could be considered the best, must be a matter of personal testing.
I have not tried the Courtois, which are very hard to come close to. But brass techs unanimously tell of very well made instruments. Only the price level is a bit high.
Personally I prefer instruments with the least possible resistance. Not that I necessarily want the largest possible bell with. But I dislike if the windway is restricted at its entry.
That, for me at least, excludes the two narrowly leadpiped models from Besson. The 983 is elegant, leaning towards the F tubas. The 982 proudly honours its makers claim, that it is a parade model.
When I can get some air through the instrument, I want it to have a stable structure. Yamaha claims to have thinned the wall strength of the the inner tubing of the YEB 631. Test playing confirms this claim for me. From middle dynamics and up this instrument gives me a rattling feeling.
That leaves one instrument back from your list. The Sovereign 981 has a fastly expanding leadpipe. Giving a warmer, more open, and less resistant feel. It is the one I chose for my personal use.
In Britain it has been the choice for symphonic use. Still it is not a real contrabass tuba. It has the same range downwards as a good BBb tuba. But it is not as open and free blowing in its lowest range.
Klaus