Raw Brass vs Lacquer vs Plating

[thevillagetuba]

So, I have one of the Rusk-cut F tubas that served as the model for the Getzen G60 prototype in raw brass. It has a dark tone that almost makes it sound like a small C. I was thinking of getting the horn plated but wanted to see what people thought here. I was raised with the idea that lacquered horns sound darker than plated horns and that raw brass is the darkest of all. And by playing I mean the silver plating that horns get.

What are your guys' experiences? Do you think that's worth the investment? I don't care about the visual aspect of getting something done (though I always have a weak spot for a nice silver finish) just the sound of the horn.

Thanks!

[TheHatTuba]

Considering how much plating/prep costs, you would probably be better off saving your $$$ for a "brighter" F tuba instead of gambling your current horn.

[jsmn4vu]

Actual study results here:
http://scottmusicservices.punxypa.com/unlacquered.html

[toobagrowl]

Actual study results here:
http://scottmusicservices.punxypa.com/unlacquered.html

^ A very good, but decades-old study on trumpets.


Were I to buy a new tuba, I'd prefer a lacquered one

[pgym]

Actual study results here:
http://scottmusicservices.punxypa.com/unlacquered.html

The design and execution flaws in the so-called "study" are so basic and so egregious as to render the "experiment" worthless, except as a single anecdotal datum in the debate.

[thevillagetuba]

It seems that the best option is to go with the lifting of the leadpipe. I will get that done when I have some work done on one of my other horns this summer and post the results. Thanks for the advice!