Posted by Tony Clements on September 23, 2001 at 10:36:29:
In Reply to: Piston Vs Rotary posted by Scott Liu on September 20, 2001 at 11:46:55:
YES! Seriously, buy the one that you think sounds the best. I have NEVER purchased a horn based on its design, or valve arrangement. I am looking for a particular sound, and i play horns that POTENTIALLY can make that type of sound, and I buy the tuba that CLOSEST fits the profile. having said that, I can make the following OBSERVATIONS, based on my OWN experience: Pistons are a pain im the butt. You have to oil them constantly and if you don't get them down JUST so, they'll hang up on you without notice. HOWEVER, they slur like a dream. Long legato phrases just pop right out. Rotors take virtually NO maintainence. Oil them up when they need them. You can adjust the valve height (I like my valves real high) and they are fast as all get out. Slurring is a BIT more temperamental though. You have to spend time doing some "over the break" excersises.