bloke's 6/4 CC TUNING VALVE

[ZNC Dandy]

That's pretty damn neat!

[MartyNeilan]

That is MUCH nicer than the mockup you showed me in Blokeville a few months ago. If the "crook" was not bottom facing, hopefully it would not get very dirty or collect any water; a routine chem cleaning once every couple years might be enough for it.
Once you get all the bugs worked out (linkage, placement, etc) I could definitely see the potential for a limited production run of these for those with applicable instruments.

I remember when I asked Joe is he was concerned about this tuning valve adding a tiny bit of increased resistance. His response was, "This is a 2165."

Marty "currently only has to push in, and not pull on his current horns"

[Biggs]

Question: What would you estimate to be, on average, the cost of installing one of these? I understand there are many variables between models of tuba so please feel free to speak generally.

[cjk]

Awesome!

[Ace]

I don't understand why you anticipate critics. Your idea is a good one and very clever. Much success on your project---------I hope you secure a patent.

Ace

[djwesp]

I can think of about ten other tubas that could utilize this, if not hundreds.

[UDELBR]

The large side of the 2165 main slide is huge (larger than the bore of any rotor made).

(Off topic): That seems like such an odd place for that kind of drastic flare: right between two cylindrical sections.

[Mark]

Marty "currently only has to push in, and not pull on his current horns"

So, once you push in, you never pull out?

[Timswisstuba]

I'm glad Bloke's thinking of ways to accommodate the few gifted who prefer to push and not pull.

schoolforthegifted.jpg

[tclements]

Query - What about putting it right into the tuning slide? You would need access to several slides to make templates for all instruments, but once you have those, anyone who would want one, would just purchase a whole tuning slide assembly from you and they can have a local dude (or dudette) install the thumb lever where it is easily accessible. The idea is similar to what Yamaha did years ago when they made their 5th valve assembly for the 321 euph. (I have photos of this if you don't know what I'm talking about). I think it is a great idea. Congrats on a simple, yet elegant solution. Assuming this is a valve getting ADDED to a 5 valve tuba, the ONLY concern I would have is overall instrument response with another valve in the 'main line.' I hope you sell a million of 'em!

[windshieldbug]

As to "cost"

compensation for blokensation...

[Cameron Gates]

Major props on the work. Did you use the original tubing off the 5th valve? It looks nickel silver on my crappy monitor.

This project looks a little more involved than the standard, twice a summer, pain in the butt Bach 42 rotor intake knuckle replacement.

I hate that job.

[Rick Denney]

I think I could use one of these on my Holton.

My Holton does not have the problem third partial typical of many, but it certainly does have the sharp 6th partial (and 8th partial, at least with me playing).

I find it a lot easier to adjust pitch up than down, so even if the device made the note flat, it would still be easier to correct.

My York Master could also benefit from this modification.

Maybe I need to install this on my lips--maybe it's me that needs the modification.

Rick "not, however, willing to pay what it would cost to install one of these right" Denney

[oedipoes]

This pic looks a bit like the 2nd valve compensating loop on hirsbrunner's 3v rotary compensator. (see pic posted some time ago from Klaus' archives)
In fact, this valve is a lot like a compensating loop, only YOU decide when to use it...
So the horn will become a 4P +2R non-automatic compensator

Nice work!

Wim

[iiipopes]

I'm thinking that any 4-valve BBb tuba could use it to get low Eb in tune, instead of pull 1 for 1+4 or push for 1+2+4. This would get similar results to a "conventional" T+4 for low Eb on a 5-valve, but save a significant amount of weight, although it is quite a stretch for one note that is rarely, if ever (I've seen only a couple of examples) called for in the concert band literature and repertoire.

I also would call it a "tuning valve" instead of a "compensating valve," as per its intended function: fine tuning, as opposed to wholesale compensation as Blaikley's original, the Besson enharmonic system, or Hirsbrunner's rotary comp (which has double-decker rotors, similar to the double length compensating pistons, and which they still make to order.

Um, speaking of Blaikley, wasn't something similar specified as an auxillary in the original Blaikley 3-valve compensating patent so that 1+2+3 would be in tune, until it was found to be 1) lippable, and 2) not cost effective?

[SousaSaver]

I am very excited to see how this turns out. Seems like a good idea. Please post more pictures as soon as you get a chance.

[rodgeman]

Great job and interesting solution.

[Tubaing]

You're going to vent this valve for easier slide pulling, right?

[iiipopes]

Bloke, what is the bore of your tuning valve?

[sailn2ba]

Jeez, why not just install a BIG slide?