
I love this tuba but I can't play them all at the same time. It is a lot of fun.
I took a top action Martin all apart, flipped it & wrapped it "York style" and fit it with the King (HN White) size valves. I took out a loop in the 4th circut to make an upward 4th pull. It never seems to need pulling, but it does help with water.
In the room, the sound is very similar to my 6/4 York 91. The York has a lighter, "happy" quality to the sound. The Martin sounds darker, and a little like it is fixin' to start something. Hands down, the Martin low range is easier. The Martin is as easy to play as a 4/4, if you don't count the substantial weight of the horn.
The pop on these unrestored 1930s valves is impressive. They feel similar to new valves.
While the parts last, I will throw in a rotor that could be added to make this a 5 valve.
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