Posted by Jay Bertolet on December 11, 2001 at 08:49:36:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Best euphonium -- Opinions?? posted by problem on December 11, 2001 at 08:17:32:
If that approach works for you then that's great. You should only play 3+1 horns and be happy. I know I don't feel that way. I had a wonderful Boosey Sovereign Eb tuba that made a sound I really loved. Unfortunately, it was configured 3+1 and I found myself looking for excuses not to use it because I never became comfortable with that fingering system. Now I own a Willson Eb, with all the valves on the right hand, and I don't run into that problem anymore.
Besides, the 3+1 configuration is a result of the mechanics of the compensating design, not any attempt to exclude the pinky as a valve finger. Of course, if you have direct information from the designer of the pinky ("The pinky finger simply wasn't designed for that kind of strength and dexterity."), perhaps you could share that source with us. ;-)
My opinion for what it's worth...