Venting Piston Valves?

[kprinz]

I have a 45slp tuba. I was wondering what the advantages are to venting the piston valves on it. I have vented valves on my rotory miraphone, but as it was explained to me, it just releases the pressure on the valves when adjusting tuning slides. On the slp, I use the second valve trigger pretty exclusively. Are there other advantages that I am unaware of for venting ALL of the valves. If so, what are they and where should I look in central texas for someone who KNOWS how to do this procedure.

[Dan Schultz]

My Miraphone 1291 came to me with all four pistons vented. I bought it 2nd handed and don't know if it was ordered from the factory that way... or the 1st owner had it customized. I have yet to see the reasoning behind it.

[Mister Stone]

There are tons of posts on tubenet that discuss venting. Just search for valve venting or piston venting. I learned alot from past posts.

[ShoelessWes]

Unless a tuba is really "tight" (i.e. small bore until a large bell graduation at the end of the bugle, or stove pipe belled), I've never seen the need in venting piston valves.

It really doesn't make much difference, sluring and "bubbles" on piston tubas just don't exist much.

[Art Hovey]

If you want to pull valve slides while playing or if you have to deal with temperature changes then venting your pistons can be a big help. There is absolutely no reason not to do it. The operation is much simpler on pistons than on rotary valves.