Whats this?

[ThomasDodd]

I saw [url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 3777845958]this[/ur] Reynolds 4v baritone on ebay. 4 in a ror pistons, forn mounted, but this picture has me confused though.



What is this piece in the midlde extening to the right? Part of a tuning slide trigger?

[Chuck(G)]

Looks like it to me--either that, or the bottom part of an ashtray holder...

[ThomasDodd]

the bottom part of an ashtray holder...

Now that could be usefull, If I ever got to play in a location where I could...

[Lew]

That is a main tuning slide "trigger," like on the old Conn Constellation (model 24/25I) baritone horns. It is essentially a spring loaded piston that allows moving the main tuning slide during playing but has a self centering ability so it will spring back to the original position. I own one of the Conn versions of these, and this looks almost identical. It does appear to be missing some of its parts though.

[Kevin Hendrick]

It looks like another valve, without a cap on it. A five valve baritone doesnt make sense. Its most likley for tuning.

I take it you've not seen the avatar of our friend Highams? It is, indeed, a five-valve euphonium (3 top + 2 side, all pistons). If a six-valve F tuba makes sense, why not a six-valve (or more) euphonium? If I remember correctly, a French tuba is essentially a euphonium in C with six valves ... sounds like fun to me!

Isn't that where the detonator goes?

That would be so you can play clear up to "C4", right?

[Kevin Hendrick]

Isn't that where the detonator goes?

That would be so you can play clear up to "C4", right?

Well, I saw the plunger so I merely assumed.........

Makes sense to me!

[Bandmaster]

Reynolds used these "dampners" on the first valve slides of some of their tubas also. Note photo below (also from a horn eBay). One of the tuba players in the community band I play in has one on his Reynolds recording tuba. You can set it to stop at preset positions making slide alterations more consistant.