Posted by John Swensen on April 08, 1999 at 14:01:50:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Still looking for info on St.Pete's posted by Tim on April 07, 1999 at 19:03:49:
If you are asking if my tuba has the German machine (keys), the answer is no. I made a conscious decision to buy the raw model and learn to work on it myself. I find that I am willing to take more chances working on a $1200 tuba than a $12000 tuba, and I don't feel nearly as sick when I do break something.
So far, I have made two new machines (one in brass, one in nickel silver), a new receiver, and a few minor modifications like shortening and honing slides.
I plan to eventually make new valves (rotors, casings, etc.) for the tuba.