Vertical main tuning slide vs. horizonal main tuning slide

[windshieldbug]

It is only a matter of difference where the cylindrical tubing occurs in the bore expansion, and that depends entirely on each maker.

The vertical are easier to drop, but also easier to adapt to a pitch adjustment rod.

A tether applied between horn and slide will prevent unwanted sounds (and dents) while performing.

[DavidK]

MW is including various leather tethers on tuning slides for some models. Since their fit and action is very light and fast, more trombone-like (including the slide stockings), than tuba-like... IMO. The tethers should prevent some wayward clangage of runaway slides.

[iiipopes]

I find the main tuning slide on my older 186 one of the easiest to use main slides of any instrument, from trumpet to tuba, that I have ever used. I had to have it lengthened @ 2 inches on each leg to accommodate the shorter retrofit St Pete bell, and I have had no intonation issues as a result. If anything, it may have fixed those flat fifth partials, as the only note I need an alternate fingering for now is midline D needs 1+2; Db is only the slightest bit flat, if at all, and C and B nat are right on.

The only thing, which may be more a function of my embouchure instead of the horn, is that the octaves do seem to be compressed slightly in the extreme ranges. I have to make sure I'm all the way down to pitch in the low register (fingering low Eb 1+2+4 is not necessarily slightly flat for me as it conventionally and theoretically is for others on a BBb tuba); and I have to make sure I'm all the way up to pitch in the highest register (focusing especially on 4th line f and above requires even more tuning sensitivity).

[imperialbari]

Maybe too obvious to be said:

Vertical main tuning slides are for tubas mostly intended to find their right place in chords.

Horizontal main tuning slides are for tubas intended for playing broad melodic lines.

K