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Do long fifth valves (minor third aka. 2-3 combo) exist for Rudolf Meinl tubas? As much as I try to live with a flat whole-step fifth valve, I learned how to play a 5 valve CC tuba with a long 5th valve, and that's how it seems to forever be burned into my memory. Definitely a "nice to have," but it would certainly make life a little bit easier for me.

I'm curious to know what one of these might look like? The normal 5th valve is already kind of curly... would a longer slide be two loops? Or one taller and more open loop?

I'm sure that RM could and would manufacture something like this, and that the best answer is probably to ask Lee Stofer... but before I take up any of his time, I thought I'd post here.

Thanks!

As always, good points Joe. I kind of forgot the difference between the Rudy and the other long 5th tubas I've had:

-- Miraphone uses a completely different wrap for the whole 5th valve circuitry
-- B&S uses (well, at least on mine) a long slide, but the wrap of the slide allowed for one of those W-shaped things, and out of sight

Hrmm... maybe I will give Lee a call if no one else has any direct experience with it. I'm sure it is probably a matter of being more expensive than it's worth, but if I'm keeping this thing for the long haul, it's not so bad. As for the ugly factor, I can't have my tuba be prettier than me, now can I?

Joe's right about the 2-3 5th rotor wrap looking goofy. Here's what I have on a St. Pete. I can rearrange it for a flat step or a two step combination.

Not a Rudy, but I did see (maybe here?) a Hirsbrunner with an extended 5th valve. They had used the same top and bottom crooks, and some very lengthy tubing in between. Not very different from Dan's St Pete example, just a bit more narrow and, maybe, less top-heavy.

If you're going to try this, don't modify the original. Replace it. That way, you or the next owner can always revert.

Thanks guys! I remember that 861, and yeah, it looks a little goofy. I wonder if the slide could go down the left side, like the long 5th valve on a Miraphone 1291?

Either way, I would NOT do anything other than add a longer slide, no horn surgery intended here!

And if it's not possible (or at least without looking ridiculous), then it's not possible, I'm okay with that too.

I have a Miraphone 1293 that I ordered a long 5th valve slide for. The reason is that I can set the horn up so that E flat plays in tune 23 and A flat plays in tune with 5th. On this horn there is just an added loop in the slide and it is buried in the wrap so it isn't really noticeable when you look at the horn unless you are really looking for it. It came build from the factory and was quite reasonable - less that $200 if my memory is right. I still have the flat whole step slide that comes in handy once in a while. Phil

Cool! Could you post a picture of the slide, if you have a chance?

My Cerveny 686 came with a flat whole step 5th valve and a longer alternative slide that seems to be the 2-3. When it's in place, the longer one doesn't look much different since it doubles back in front, toward the 5th rotor.

Uhmm, just tried to. When I hit upload it said the file's too big

Cerv 686 long slide

yeah it's off topic, I know.............

sailn2ba wrote:My Cerveny 686 came with a flat whole step 5th valve and a longer alternative slide that seems to be the 2-3. When it's in place, the longer one doesn't look much different since it doubles back in front, toward the 5th rotor.

I'm posting photo for Salin2ba.....

Thanks, TMM. Actually, the 5th slide pictured isn't long enough to get to 2-3. It gives me 1-2 when pulled pretty far out.
(Would that make my BBb a GG tuba?) I haven't used the longer one much because the flat whole gives me an in-tune A in the staff and, using 1/2 step transposition, it works below FFF too.

What about something like this? Obviously it probably wouldn't need to be quite this long, and could still have a loop up top or something. But this is about the only place I can see that would accommodate extra tubing. Thoughts? Terrible idea?