Posted by Lee Stofer on September 23, 2002 at 07:46:11:
In Reply to: Repairman Questions posted by Mark on September 22, 2002 at 17:41:14:
Mark,
If I were you, I'd try to get the instrument in as good mechanical condition as possible, but would not modify it at all. I've owned an Amati/Cerveny F tuba with a 14" bell and the smaller bore, and it played better than many of the big F tubas out there. Get it chem-cleaned, have the valves tightened up if necessary, but don't modify it, as it would ruin the good playing qualities of that horn. Finally, I'd suggest a wide, shallow bowl mouthpiece with a shank small enough to fit it right. That will make a lot of difference in intonation and response. A smaller backbore tends to help the intonation, too.
Lee Stofer