Posted by Rick Denney on October 01, 2001 at 18:08:58:
In Reply to: "American" vs. "German" posted by Curious on October 01, 2001 at 16:10:46:
I don't think so. Some piston tubas have a German notion of core and column to the sound, and some rotaries (though, it is true, fewer) have that foundation and blossom characteristic of the American sound. But it is true that most tubas built around the German concept have rotary valves and most built around the American concept have piston valves.
As to the other differences, a search in the archives will reveal much discussion, some of which might even be enlightening, heh, heh. Also, take a look at the link below, and also follow the link from there to The Tuba Sound.
Rick "who knows it when he hears it" Denney