Posted by Tim Cary on September 22, 2003 at 16:13:53:
In Reply to: Sousaphone Rotary Valves posted by SHS Tubamaster on September 22, 2003 at 10:05:31:
Jupiter now makes 4 valve sousaphones, and Mirafone also had a line of 4 valve sousas. Neither of these brands has a great reputation when it comes to the quality of their sousaphones however. The real question is what is the purpose of a fourth valve for marching band? The really low stuff doesn't project well on the field, and most sousas, even the ones with good reputations don't have a solid scale. The fourth valve would also add weight to the horn; the weight of the piston assembly and long fourth valve piping might make hauling the horn around more of a hassle than having the benefit of a fouth valve.