Posted by js on October 06, 2003 at 11:13:20:
In Reply to: MARYLAND ALL STATE EUPH AUDITION posted by R on October 06, 2003 at 09:53:17:
Sean Chisham's post is ultimately the correct answer.
__________________________________________
However, here is some technical information:
As to 4-valve compensating euphoniums, many are not aware of this but the only pitches which benefit from the compensating plumbing include:
* 2-4 B natural (though highly debatable, because "uncompensated" 2-4 is shorter [and better] on many instruments that is "compensated" 2-4)
* 2-4 low E
*1-4 low Eb ("contra" range)
*2-3-4 low Db
*1-3-4 low C
*1-2-3-4 low B natural
(Low D was not listed, because on "non-compensating" instruments, the fingering 2-3-4 is nearly perfectly in tune for this pitch.)
__________________________
Summary: Assuming otherwise-equivalent instruments, a 4-valve compensating system only consistently improves the intonation on five very low (seldom written) pitches. It doesn't even "come in to play" in most all of the regular playing range of the instrument.
NOTE: If you own a Yamaha or Weril euphonium, the item (linked below) can make your 4-valve NON-compensating euphonium offer virtually all the advantages of a 4-valve compensating euphonium. The gadget is pictured here.