Posted by Joe S. on December 14, 1999 at 21:05:07:
In Reply to: Alex valve layout-Joe S. R U out there? posted by steved on December 14, 1999 at 01:51:34:
I used to own a big old ugly '50's CC Alex, and it had a very short spatula throw. I think that it related to the length that the arms extended DOWN from the finger spatulas (They almost dragged on the slide tubing), rather than any "high tech" thing - a simple "mechanical advantage" thing. (That old rattle-tuba had "S" arm linkage with bronze bearings.) Incidentally, I sold that tuba to Ron Apperson (Hartford) who later
sold it to Steve Call. I don't know WHO owns it, now.
Anyway, I guess they have been interested in the "short stroke" idea for quite some time...Apparently now, they have come up with something "neat". I haven't seen the skinny spatulas, either. Maybe that is a "lightweight" concept (???).