MAV pistons in tubas

[besson900]

Hi guys

I wanna ask You what is the difference between MAV pistons and(for example) stock Meinl Weston pistons.I saw a lot of times that tuba player in USA are changing them, I never seen this Europe so that's why I'm asking

All best
Paweł from Poland

[thevillagetuba]

When I have put MAW valves onto different horns, I find the horns to open up and play a little bigger; play more consistently throughout the range, especially low G and below; to slur easier without a great deal of extra effort from the player; and have had nicer feel beneath the hand than the stock B&S/Melton/MW valves, probably due to the slightly decreased weight.

There are a couple downsides in that every set myself and the people I know have user have required oiling much more often than the stock valves (and other valves) and the decreased resistance can make it a little harder to enter seamlessly at softer dynamics (sometimes just takes more attention by the player, especially in the low range).

I think they are definitely worth exploring if you have a horn that they fit and they are a relatively safe purchase as people have unloaded ones that they have no longer wanted for a relatively small loss here (not sure about how that would apply to you with shipping, import fees, and the exchange rate).

[mwlorrison893]

I have a question on this. The tuba I have has these valves and the fourth valve has began being sluggish when going from a pedal Eb or F to a low G or some other not that doesn't require the fourth valve. I've oiled and whatnot but nothing successful. It's not bad and sometimes it doesn't even do it. I didn't know if anyone else has had this problem or if it might just be me. Thanks ahead for any advice. It's the tuba on the left.