I searched, but didn't see any posts about people trying MAW valves in a PT-606. Any experience out there?
The one criticism I've heard about MAW valves is that they seem to have more of an effect on some tubas than others. Naturally, I'm a little curious about where the 606 may have fallen in that range, in other people's experiences. The low register of the 606 is already VERY open and easy to play. I can't imagine needing that to be any easier.
Mostly curious with how the valves might smooth things out moving between notes. I have zero problems with the 606... but as a player who typically used rotary valves, if the piston experience can be a little more rotary-ish, that would certainly be appreciated.
Bort why not just call Martin and get a set? I'm sure he may let you trial them and send them back if you don't like them. I know you're looking for opinions but it probably would be an even better idea to try them on your own.
Porky wrote:Bort why not just call Martin and get a set? I'm sure he may let you trial them and send them back if you don't like them. I know you're looking for opinions but it probably would be an even better idea to try them on your own.
Totally agree... just a matter of prioritizing where my $ goes right now.
I asked Martin about a trial once before, and it seemed like something that he generally didn't want to do. And of course, that's okay, it's his decision! Ideally, I'd like to buy a used set of MAWs and save a few dollars... but that's just a nice-to-have...
One other quick thing -- I'd very much appreciate the plastic valve guides on the MAW valves. Really don't like metal valve guides (clack clack clack clack), and although I know I can just take care of this on my own... it's always easier to use a manufactured solution, which Martin has already done.
MAWs do make a difference. I've played one with them and one without. Now, maybe the one without them is a lemon, but the low register feels very stiff without them and intonation on that particular horn is weird. YMMV. Try them out, I think you'll like the horn more with them.
Not a 606, but I’ve used them in various combinations on my Ursus, which is a kissing cousin to the 606. My Ursus really didn’t need them. I played around with having the MAW in all 4, just 4, just 3 and 4, etc.
At the end of the day, they were more beneficial in my MRP-F. I didn’t think there was a ton of daylight on the Ursus between not having them installed at all and having them installed in various configurations.
Bort, I will be getting a set of MAW valves for my MW-2182 in a couple weeks, and I can let you know how they change the response. PM me in about 3 weeks and I’ll let you know.
Thanks! I'm familiar with the general opinions of MAW valves, just wonder about specific experiences with the PT-606. Regardless, I appreciate the offer, and will try to remember to contact you!
But seriously, aren't MAW valves more about how it PLAYS and making things easier for the player... As opposed to how it SOUNDS?
It's like a tuba with bad intonation and using a tuner. Sure, I can learn to play it in tube and show everyone that the needle is right in the middle. But that doesn't show me working my asss off to make it happen.
bort wrote:But seriously, aren't MAW valves more about how it PLAYS and making things easier for the player... As opposed to how it SOUNDS?
It's like a tuba with bad intonation and using a tuner. Sure, I can learn to play it in tube and show everyone that the needle is right in the middle. But that doesn't show me working my asss off to make it happen.
They do tend to open up the sound more, which is likely just because you can get more air down the pipe with less effort. I've played one pt-606 with a fourth valve installed and it definitely opened the lower register up some, I do not know how much gain you would get out of a full set though.
I would go with what Joe said and grab a used set. As for the valve guides, they might sit a little proud. I unscrewed them from the valve and removed some material with a piece of 600 grit sandpaper.
