Besson New Standard/B&H Imperial 3-4 valve alteration

[iiipopes]

To quote Arty Johnson in his German soldier character from Laugh-in: Veeeeeery interesting.

Since the comp gets you down to low E nat in tune, I hope the 4th valve is pulled sufficiently to get a true 1-4 Eb, which would make D as 3-4 only a bit sharp, and probably lippable, but still skews the intonation for the other near pedal notes, as even with the 3-valve comp loops, there just isn't enough tubing without pulling, and it is very difficult to pull on an up-valve instrument.

A lot of work for two usable notes that aren't called for that much in the concert band repertoire. But a job well done nonetheless.

I'm wondering if a B&H non-comp valve was used, as it would still have the same bore, and then machine a custom valve cap to make up the height differential.

And one final thought: a Besson is a pretty substantial tuba to begin with. I just wonder how much heavier this horn is with the extra valve and plumbing! To give a comparison, my Besson weighs in at @ 24 pounds in its standard 3-valve comp condition, and my 186 with its retrofit detachable bell, even with the 4th valve and everything, weighs 3 pounds less!

[OldsRecording]

Going by my (inexpert) opinion, that does look like a B&H valve, or at least it looks alot like the valves on my Sov euph.