TubeNet

I've though about this for a while, and cannot find a logical reason for 4+1 rotary tubas (5th valve for left hand). With 5 valves on right hand, you can adjust with your left hand. With 4+2 you generally have enough alternate fingerings to find something that works, but with 4+1 you want adjust anything. What was the purpose of 4+1 horns?

The only reasons I can come up with are those of personal preference:

Somebody growing up with 4+2 might find it more convenient.

My experience: A thumb ring WILL compromise effective use of a thumb operated Valve, because it will block the thumb´s base Joint from contributing to the movement.
Some People just don´t want to deal with the concept of a handrest rather than a thumb ring.
Those People will decide to order a 4+1 horn.
Instead, I Chose to dismount the thumb ring and installed a wooden, self-carved handrest on my Willson.

DouglasJB wrote: ↑Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:49 pm I've though about this for a while, and cannot find a logical reason for 4+1 rotary tubas (5th valve for left hand). With 5 valves on right hand, you can adjust with your left hand. With 4+2 you generally have enough alternate fingerings to find something that works, but with 4+1 you want adjust anything. What was the purpose of 4+1 horns?

"Riding throttle" on a valve slide is a 20th century technique. the 4+1 horns were developed for the 5th valve to help intonation without "riding throttle." Look at the state of the art historically going forward, not from present day looking back.

Another one comes to mind, from a manufacturer´s perspective:
If you´re already producing 4+2 horns, enhancing your portfolio to a 4+1 is a no-brainer and won´t require an all new set of parts.
Rerouting the mechanical setup to the right thumb is a totally different and more taxing job.