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Looking to get into an F tuba. I have a line on a 4-valve Miraphone. I see most that most pro-line F tubas have at least 5 valves.

Are 4-valve Fs worth the bother?

Thanks!

nope - useless

Random question - is it possible to have the fourth valve extended to a perfect 5th (instead of the usual perfect 4th), giving you low F# with all four down? Granted this might create some slide pulling issues, but it'd at least give you full chromaticity. Same might work for other four-valve tuba keys.

Just wondering...

...Dave

poomshanka wrote: ↑Wed May 29, 2024 4:34 pm Random question - is it possible to have the fourth valve extended to a perfect 5th (instead of the usual perfect 4th), giving you low F# with all four down? Granted this might create some slide pulling issues, but it'd at least give you full chromaticity. Same might work for other four-valve tuba keys.

Just wondering...

...Dave

Of course! An experienced tech could make you an extended slide or slide extenders depending on the wrap. I've done it before.

25 years ago I played a 4 valve Miraphone for some years in a decent symphonic wind band. Both 1st and 2nd tuba were doable but required really hard intonation work below C depending on the piece (1-4, 2-4, 1-2-4, etc.) -> absolutely no fun. It's far easier now with 6 valves.

If it is a good instrument and reasonably priced far below comparable 5v versions, I'd start with the 4v and plan a 5th valve and possibly triggers.

The tuba I played was owned by the orchestra, so no modifications possible. The instrument would have certainly been worth it.

Thanks all. It’s a Miraphone 180 in decent shape for a good price so I think I’ll go ahead and pick it up for at least a starter horn.

Four valves is not neccesarily a drawback.
I have owned three Mirafone 180’s, two of which were four valve models. I used them on serpent & ophicleide parts, and on some bass trombone POPS repertoire. The 180 was also an acceptable cimbasso substitute.
Of course, there are better F tubas these days, but the main point is that a four valve model was satisfactory most of the time. I used a Mirafone C4 mouthpiece.
One needs five valves for solos and brass quintets, but if you are playing correctly, the old 180 is just fine for certain applications.

Sure 4 are fine. Only three common notes might be sharp. But invest in a really good spring lever system on two of the valve slides so you can extend those valve tubes to add the maximum tubing. This is the best solution because on really fast passages no one can hear and for all else you will have plenty of time to use the triggers.

Interesting insights on the thread