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MAW valves on rotary tuba
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:27 am
by happyroman
Has anyone installed MAW valves on a rotary tuba (by changing from rotary to piston)?
Alternately, are MAW rotary valves available (yet)?
Re: MAW valves on rotary tuba
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:32 am
by bort
Has anyone installed MAW valves on a rotary tuba (by changing from rotary to piston)?
That seems like the amount of work (and potential "not better" results) would far exceed the costs of just selling and buying a piston-valve tuba. The valves themselves cost over $1,000, not to mention the entire valve block.
Alternately, are MAW rotary valves available (yet)?
This might be the first I've heard about this, and it is very intriguing!
Re: MAW valves on rotary tuba
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:43 pm
by Ken Crawford
In my conversation with Mr. Wilk, he said a MAW type valve is possible in rotary, but is usually cost prohibitive because it involves replacing not only the valves but the valve casings.
Re: MAW valves on rotary tuba
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 1:50 pm
by happyroman
My tuba was purchased in 1978 and I am looking at some things I can do to upgrade the playing condition, such as the installation of new, hopefully better, valves.
I suppose that another, possibly more feasible option, would be to install new rotary valves, such as those manufactured by Meinlschmidt, which I understand are excellent. They seem to be available in the correct bore size (22 mm), which is the same as the Rudy 5/4 CC.
http://www.jm-gmbh.de/html/e_meinlschmidt_tuba.html" target="_blank
Re: MAW valves on rotary tuba
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 2:14 pm
by bort
If it's a Rudi Meinl and you've got a little cash to spend on it, I would absolutely give Lee Stofer a call. Maybe you already have, and are looking for other ideas? But if anyone knows specific details about Rudi's and what may/may not be necessary, he's the man.
And I'm no repairman, but it seems like replacing valve sections is pretty major surgery for any tuba. It's kind of like when people (ok, I'm talking about myself here) say "I need new linkages!" Every repairman I've been to has said "no you don't," and after a little work things are quick and silent as they should be.
Side note -- you might want to chat with "bloke" about his Rudi 5/4. He put a new (smaller) leadpipe on his, and said it made a lot of positive improvements to playability.
Anyway, cool tuba. I would start with Lee. Good luck!