Re. 6 valve JinBao F tuba, I was thinking of having a main tuning slide trigger added. I have always been a first slide puller, but have not been one to pull 3rd and 4th valve slides. I have seen horns with a 2nd valve trigger--like the Rudi's or the Kodiak--but I wanted something to control all of the notes. I have even seen folks with 4v CC tubas add length to the crook of the 4th valve slide for better low range intonation. But I still thought of a main tuning slide trigger--especially on this horn--since at least on my horn-the F in the staff seems high; and I am able to using 5 & 6 with the left hand, hence the availability of the right hand thumb to use for a lever.
The Chinese have problems with the slides moving freely--they are out of alignment at times (Please Chinese makers, use a 'jig' when putting your horns together!!). However, 2 years ago, I tried 10 new horns of a certain European model tuba at a music store, and everyone of them had the 1st valve slide not super tight, but quite out of alignment--so it is not just a Chinese problem! Also, unlike an Adjustable Gap Receiver (AGR) that Matt Walters makes, a tuning slide trigger could not be a universal part since the throws and sizes of tubas is quite different. It needs to be a design or kit for each type of horn--like what Al Baer does with his PVAK kits.
The main tuning slide on this horn was quite out of alignment, so my repairman--(Joe Clouse, email: Jeinst@aol.com" target="_blank) who also does work for Don and his folks at Eastman-had to align the slide (the tuning is an 'inner/outer' type of slide too) to have it move smoothly--and really smoothly! Also, a mechanism had to be made so you could tune the horn to itself, and then use the trigger for notes needing the trigger, but when releasing the trigger, having it go back to the point where you set it for tuning the horn--and not all the way up.
A 'before' pic of the horn:
Well, today, the project is done. I have a great main tuning slide (Note: my repairman is actually going to 'tweak' this again in 2 weeks when parts come, and make the long rod into 2 parts for additional available adjustments via a 'turn buckle' type mechanism) that moves freely, and is really a great tool for tuning the horn. I know this could be done with the trigger finger lever not made just for the right hand thumb (if you had a 5th valve lever used for the thumb), but with this set up of 4+2, the right thumb made the most sense. I am really use to using the 4+2 set up, so it does not bother me for using the 5th valve with the left hand. BTW, with the trigger, the F in the staff--which could be lipped or played 2-3 if really needed, works just great open and pushing the tuning slide trigger. The horn has such a beautiful sound and great low range-and high range--this was the final piece, IMHO. I am very happy!!
Here are some pics:
And here are pics of the tuning slide when not using the lever, and with using the lever:
I am delighted with having a main tuning slide trigger, and think others might consider adding such an animal to their horns. BTW, the horn is a fine F tuba!
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com" target="_blank
