Posted by Jay Bertolet on June 09, 1999 at 12:35:45:
In Reply to: CC 4 or 5 valves posted by Paul on June 09, 1999 at 11:22:07:
I think that having 5 valves is really the best choice for a tuba. 5 valves will give you extra flexibility in the low range (just ask any players who use "false tones" for certain low range notes on 4 valve tubas) as well as a wealth of alternate fingerings to use in intonation considerations.
Don't be nervous about adding a fifth valve to a Cervany tuba. I have two Cervany tubas that I have added fifth valves to and they both play great. My experience is that adding a fifth valve to a Cervany doesn't change the intonation or response at all. I'm sure other tubas respond similarly. Good luck!