Posted by Rick Denney on June 05, 2003 at 14:02:11:
In Reply to: Cutting BBb HP into CC posted by HP on June 05, 2003 at 13:45:45:
Converting a high-pitch BBb to low-pitch CC is actually a bit easier, because you have to remove less tubing. But the success of the project depends on many things--the design of the instrument, how well in plays in tune as a BBb, its condition, and many other factors. Even the best experts on such conversions offer no guarantees.
If you just cut off a length of tuning slide, you'll likely introduce some interesting intonation quirks, because the ratio of cylindrical to tapered tubing will change. The proper conversion takes a little here and a little there, but it still takes it where it can be taken conveniently, and the instrument design must present such opportunities. The experts tell me that a BBb with really good intonation can be converted into a CC with good intonation, but I've not heard anyone willing to say that converting a BBb with poor intonation will solve those problems.
Rick "who thinks a set of outer branches have to be 1.) uniquely wonderful and 2.) cheap to start with to show good conversion potential" Denney