reversing the fifth valve?

[Isuma]

Hey guys, I've got a technical question for you. On my PT-10 the lead pipe comes in from the side of the fifth rotor and turns 90 degrees in the rotor to go through the other valves. Now while I do like the sound of my F, I can't manage to get the deep rich tone I want and its not as smooth as I'd like it to be. Now practicing set aside (about 2-3 hours daily) I'm wondering if I can get that tone quality by reversing the fifth rotor, bringing the lead pipe straight down from the top and having the fifth tuba come out the side instead of the top. I've played several other F's in which the quality and glass smooth pitch changes are easily achievable, all of which either don't have the fifth rotor or have the lead pipe come in from the top. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Jason

[Matt Walters]

Try a different F tuba that has the leadpipe configuration that you think would be better. If it does play better for you, it could indeed be the leadpipe entering the 5th valve as you think, or..... the different valves and bore, or....it's a horn with less internal defects, or..... it's a different leadpipe taper, or..... it's a different width tuning slide, or...it's a different taper in the branches, OR....the Placebo effect. Welcome to the world of instrument design.