Problems with Playing for Long Periods of Time

[Projack]

I've been playing a JP 379CC for about a year now, and I've found that practicing for long periods of time (especially on certain valve combinations) will put serious stress and sometimes outright pain in my valve hand. Since I am headed for college and lots of time in the practice room next year, I am thinking about selling the horn to get something with valves that will be less painful for me to use (probably rotors). I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions in terms of horns, preferably something below $6500 or so. Thanks!

[BBruce107]

I would not suggest selling your tuba unless if other methods are explored. I suggest that you try lighter springs (Yamaha, Yamaha Euphonium Springs) first and see if that remedies the situation. You may also consider seeing if lightweight valve stems and finger buttons are possible as well. Best of luck getting into your first year of college!

[Projack]

The problem is more due to my hand size. My hand just isn't big enough to stretch across all my valves for long periods of time

[bort]

I just went through that with my B&S PT7. It hurt my hand to play the piston valves for significant periods of time, and wasn't getting better over time (acclimation) or with modification of the valves. I sold the tuba to get a PT6, and although I've only had it for 4 days, the difference and improvement was instantly noticeable.

So yes, be sure before you act... but I see no reason to delay if you've been dealing with this for a year already.

[Patrase]

I find Meinl Weston/Melton rotary valves the most ergonomic. Closely spaced and a short throw, they are very comfortable. I had to give up on pistons, for same reasons you describe, and out of all the rotary instruments the Melton have the most comfortable. Better, in terms of closeness and lever throw, than B&S and Miraphone.
Saying that you could get a good repair person to modify the leverage ratios and spacing of another brands rotors. So potentially budget for that.

[Sousaswag]

Try a Miraphone piston horn (1291/2/3), the valves are at a nice angle for me and are not as spread out as the "big valves." You may be able to find a 1291 in your price range.

Another option is to try seeing if MAW valves will fit, they're noticeably lighter.

I'm not sure you'll find a rotary CC in your price range. A Pt6 can be found for around $7500 from what I've seen.

I'd take a look at things to lighten up the pistons before you go through the process of selling your horn.

[MaryAnn]

That's why I play on rotors. I've only played Miraphone and Meinl Weston, and both have been fine. As a piano player who can barely reach an octave, but having played piano since I was a kid, rotors are to me pretty much the same action as playing a piano.

[MartyNeilan]

“Bloke buttons” are wide, flat, and lightweight. They will let you have your fingers closer together, where you will be more towards the inside edges of the first and fourth valve. That made a big difference for me, my right hand having been broken twice.