fancy water keys (tuba player translation: spit valves)

[bisontuba]

Joe-
Depends where the water key is located. I had the traditional water key removed from Symphonie F and had a Pollard water key added. Guess what....the lower range, which was very good to begin with, got even better, esp. the low C....node, anti-node, whatever, it DID make a playing difference.....same with the Mirafone CC...MUCH more even with the different water key....worth every penny...
Mark

[bisontuba]

All I know is, for me, a Saturn or Pollard does make a difference on my horns...
mark

[Heliconer]

The water key I enjoy the most is that one that is designed to constantly leak ever so slightly so that no water accumulates. Now that's genius! Can't remember the name. There's a little stainless mesh filter in them that water is supposed to pass through.

The answer is: "Water Wick"

[bort]

The water key on my Willson has a "plug" on the end of the lever, instead of just a "cap." Does it make a difference? I think I know the answer to that!

[roweenie]

Remove the water key, put a patch over the hole, and pull out the slide when it gurgles...

No leaks, ever again

[Three Valves]

Where is they joy in leaking spit all over yourself??

[Tom]

Leaks all the time...

Not to worry! They have an accessory for that. Seriously.

http://tinyurl.com/JoyKeyLapCloth

[PaulMaybery]

Water key placement will have some effect on the sound of the horn. I have one, for instance, that has absolutely no effect on the sound (at least to me under the bell) as to whether it is open or closed. So probably at that point it would matter little as to what type of water key it is, Amado, Saturn, Joy or standard lever and cork. But for those that are in a sensitive place on the bugle, I believe a smoother profile than having a 1/8" chimney might be advantageous.

I happen to like the Saturn water key simply because you can reach and press from any direction to open it. I understand that when it is closed it is very unobtrusive in relation to the wind way.

I was going to install several Joy water keys on the tuning slides where they come out of the valve on the low end. On front action pistons, this is where most of the water collects. I found a trick to move the water to the side of the slide where the water key is. The trouble with these is that they were intially designed for smaller tubing (such as horns and trumpets) and need to be filed or ground to an appropriate diameter for tubas, prior to soldering.

[Three Valves]

Leaks all the time...

Not to worry! They have an accessory for that. Seriously.

http://tinyurl.com/JoyKeyLapCloth

Should the water drops be an issue, we recommend the JoyKey LapCloth.
44.99 € *

These people HAVE to work for the Government...

They solve a problem that didn't exist, then charge you more for the problem they created!!

[Three Valves]

Capitalists cozying up with the Government??