Posted by Lee Stofer on June 12, 2003 at 06:49:12:
In Reply to: Info about two tubas posted by Brad on June 09, 2003 at 14:01:36:
The Olds, like many 3-valve tubas, has 3rd valve tubing that is intentionally flat, to help compensate for pitch for 1-3 and 1-2-3 combinations. It was never intended to play an in-tune G with 3rd valve alone. If the 2-3 Gb/Db cannot be brought into tune as-is, then maybe the 3rd needs to be cut a little.
I have been amazed by how well the 3/4 Olds O-99 can play when in proper repair. One of the schools I service has a fleet of Olds that were purchased in 1967, and they remain the best school tubas in the county for sound and durability.
My Church has a Caravelle tuba, a 3-front-piston model with a one-piece upright bell. The little Swiss horn is quite heavy for its size, but is not a bad horn. It has been some time since I played a detachable-bell version, but it seemed solid and useful if not particularly exciting.
Lee Stofer