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This is a question with new instrument design implications. Thanks for your input.

I answered forefinger as that's what I use most, but I would had to say that I use my middle finger quite often. I would maybe guess 60/40 forefinger/middle.

I play 4th with the left becuase that's the way the instrument is made. A better instrument with all 4 vavles on the left hand would win converts!

A professional eupher (who shall remain nameless) once told me that he usually uses his forefinger—unless the audience seemed unresponsive thus far to his performance, then he switches to his middle finger.

modelerdc wrote:I play 4th with the left becuase that's the way the instrument is made. A better instrument with all 4 vavles on the left hand would win converts!

If you wanted one with all 4 on the *right* hand (front action), as of a year or two ago the Willson 2975 was still available by special order:

http://willsonbrass.com/index_e.html

I responded honestly, but perhaps unhelpfully. I play a euph with four valves on the right hand. But I prefer a 3+1 and usually use have used the middle finger for that on both Euph and Eb tuba.

J.c.S.

Rick F wrote:A professional eupher (who shall remain nameless) once told me that he usually uses his forefinger—unless the audience seemed unresponsive thus far to his performance, then he switches to his middle finger.

... and "gives 'em a trill"? (never thought of the 4th as a "trill valve", but anything's possible )

On the 3+1 I got my friend, I think I usually use my pointer. On my 3 valver my left hand works the long 3rd valve slide for 123. Someday I want to get a kicker on that.

I might have actual reason to buy myself a 4 valve euph soonish. I have zero interest in buying and therefore playing a top valve euphonium for the amount of playing I'd be doing. I'll be checking out American baritones or looking around for full size bodies and appropriate sized valve sets. There was a clean Yamaha 201 body on ebay for the longest time at BIN $100; probably should have grabbed that...

For those that still want a top valve horn, the 4th as a rotary on the right thumb is an idea. There have been a few Besson Eb's modded to have the 4th as a rotary.

Another poll with a poorly framed question.

On my Amati non-compensating horn I play the fourth valve with my right little finger. On my compensating horn I play the fourth valve with my left index finger.

What can you possibly conclude from the survey as it is currently phrased?

40 Years after college when I took up playing tuba again, I bought a 4 valve Holton stencil of Yamaha's BB345(?) I had learned to play on a Martin 4 valve Eupher vintage 1915 or so. At that time the 4th valve was something that was just "there". My dad taught me and I don't remember him using it either. So when I acquired the Holton I determined that I would become proficient with it...As I recall it was a while before I could even mash the damn thing all the way down! Now many years later as I give up the tuba and return to euph I still have a strong fully functional pinkie on my right hand. Naturally, I have just ordered a (gulp!) 3+1 The learning curve starts again...What worries me most is having to have one set position for my left hand. Currently I kinda shift it around a lot so I'd be interested in any ideas on that...
Loren