Posted by Klaus on February 10, 2003 at 10:43:41:
In Reply to: Re: "double" tubas posted by Tony Clements on February 10, 2003 at 10:12:39:
I have seen a photo of Mr. Johnson's tuba. It definitely is a compensating instrument with a design similar to that of the Czech-German-Austrian Walzenhörner. Of course there are differences caused by the Johnson instrument being a 5 valve instrument, whereas the horn shown here and in the next postings is a 4 valve instrument.
The Johnson instrument has effectively 4 valves on both the F and C sides. As I interpret it, it can play low C's equally effective with the 4th valve on the F side and on the "open" C side.
I have not yet asked for a permission to make a photo of the Johnson instrument, which is why I take the detour of the not so ideal horn photos. Too bad, as the Johnson instrument represents a marvellous job of design and assemble done by Rob Stewart. It is just so beautiful and logical in its looks.
Klaus