Four-valve sousaphone

Dave Seip · Post by **Dave Seip** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:13 am

I searched the archives some before posting this up, but there didn't seem to be a ton on the subject. I'm interested in getting my hands on a four-valve sousaphone for use in my band, especially as we get ready to go into the studio. The only such thing I've run across has been the Jupiter 4v model, the reviews for which have been pretty mixed (and my general experience with Jupiter horns has not been great). However, I'm interested in finding out if anyone knows anything more about this horn, or any other options out there for this type of thing. Right now I'm playing on an old sousaphone with a stencil on the bell that says it's from the H.N. White company of Cleveland. It's a good horn, pretty solid and plays well, so I definitely don't want to take a step backward in quality just for another valve.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:25 am

the brand of sousa you have is known for it's quality,though the valves could certainly be worn on a horn that old.The jupiter 4 valve is considered to have worse intonation and response than the 3valve,which is mediocre,in my opinion.Miraphone does/did make a 4valver which was generally considered terrible.There were king,conn and other American brands made with 4 valves in the past.If you've gotta have 4valves,search out one of those and have done whatever it needs to meet your standards...

tubatom91 · Post by **tubatom91** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:33 am

I am 6' 00" 270 lbs I can't fit in a jupiter sousa for any period of time. Also,to me, the metal is extremely thin.

Jeffrey Hicks · Post by **Jeffrey Hicks** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 6:37 am

is the Dynasty one a Jupiter or a Weril? If it is a Weril it may be better than the Jupiter.

Z-Tuba Dude · Post by **Z-Tuba Dude** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:20 am

I second the idea of finding a King/Conn/Buescher 4 valve horn, rather than one of the newer ones. Just a word of caution, however: They can be HEAVY!

I have a BIG 4 valve Buescher, and after using it for a parade, my back never forgave me!

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:18 am

You don't need a 4-valve souzy. As a matter of fact, the 4th valve can actually be problematic.

This is what I did instead: Get a Conn 14k, which has great "false" pedal tones. Open low Eb, 2 D and 1 Db are so good it sounds like they are valved.

I had a tech undo the upper loop of the 1st valve tubing and make it into a slide. As it sits right where your left hand normally is when holding a souzy, it's even better than a top 1st slide on a tuba.

I pull 3 and leave it to make sure 23 is in tune, then I pull 1 about 1/2 to 3/4 inch for 12 G's & D's, and pull it an inch to 1 1/2 for low C and low F 1-3. If you're careful, and your tech makes the tubes long enough, you have just enough to pull for 123 B nat and low E nat

With a funnel mouthpiece and the 24 inch bell, it sound more like a recording bell tuba than a stereotypical souzy sound (meaning edgy and overblown.)

You might be able to do the same thing with your current souzy, if there is enough space to grab the slide.

And old 14k's are a lot easier to find than a 4-valve.