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Hi all, I am sure this topic has been talked about before but I have been recently looking into the difference of the valve systems on F tubas. I have always played rotor F tubas and heard that they are preferable over piston valves for orchestral work. I was curious why rotor valve F tubas have remained a "standard" for orchestral F tubas as compared to piston F tubas. For me I have found the piston tubas to be easier to play and the low register is just more secure than most of the rotor F tubas I have played. Looking forward to a good discussion on this topic, I have always found it interesting but not really clear why rotors have been preferred over piston F tubas.

After 50 years on piston tubas I recently bought a high quality rotor tuba. I'll admit, we're still getting to know one another, but so far, except for the convenience of just 1 spit valve and the absolute silence of the rotors, I prefer the feel, the hand position, and the easier maintenance of the pistons.

That's my $.02.