Posted by Leland on December 14, 1998 at 17:55:12:
In Reply to: Re: convertable tuba posted by Pete on December 14, 1998 at 17:32:33:
Following this principle, I can turn my VMI 3302 into a 4-valve GG tuba.
The 5th rotor valve ends up being tuned almost exactly to G, so if I leave it turned and pull all the slides to match, it can actually be played as a GG tuba.
The idea of the first-posted "convertable tuba", or maybe more rpecisely a double tuba, isn't new. It's just that there's not really a market for such a beast. The result would be a tuba with separate sets of valve tubes for each "side" -- just as how a double French horn has separate tubes for its Bb and F sides. Having all that tubing isn't too much of a weight/bulk problem with that tiny bore, but a tuba that's so equipped would be potentially lap-damaging. They have been built, though, so if someone who was involved with or played a double tuba is reading this, further enlightenment would definitely be welcome!
Seeya,
Leland