Posted by Doc on May 30, 2002 at 19:19:21:
In Reply to: Conn 20J valve question posted by Steve Clark on May 29, 2002 at 07:05:55:
Steve,
The problem you state is not uncommon. I bought a 20J from Ed Jones several years ago, after playing several others so I could get a feel for them. They all had varying degrees of intonation problems. My first valve is flat on C in the staff and sharp on Eb in the staff. I compensate for it as best I can. I use this tuba for polka and dixieland gigs, so it's not as much work compensating as it would be in a concert band or symphony. I have played some good ones. BTW, If I take out the tuning bit (they were designed to be played w/a sousa bit), the intonation improves, but the response goes south. Check it out.