Posted by steve d on December 15, 1999 at 14:36:37:
In Reply to: Re: Alex valve layout-Joe S. R U out there? posted by Dale on December 15, 1999 at 11:29:09:
No. The spats are still operated with the right hand, but the valves themselves are closer to the bell, and face "backwards" - that is; the face of the valves where the linkage attaches to the valve stop faces the player, and the screw-off backplates face the audience. You have the same fulcrum / spring / spatula assembly as any other rotory tuba, but the "downward" linkage rod ends up being much longer than normal, (because it now has to reach to the "backside" of the valve), and the "drive" rod (the one that actually hooks onto the valve) is very short - maybe 1 1/2 inches. Because of the mechanical advantage, the throw is very short - like a trumpet or a french horn. the rest of the tuning slide v/ tubing assembly is the same as any other horn, except that the 2nd valve slide pulls from the left side.