Does it really matter?

[Alex Reeder]

Does it really make a difference whether the rotors turn into/against the airstream or with it on a rotary tuba?

[WoodSheddin]

Does it really make a difference whether the rotors turn into/against the airstream or with it on a rotary tuba?

Depends on what "it" is. If "it" means winning a job, then no. If "it" means responding differently then maybe.

We do a lot of things to ourselves and our instruments looking for the silver bullet, when it all finally comes down to old fashioned hard work.

[Alex Reeder]

So if it does make a difference in response, could you explain it to me?

[WoodSheddin]

So if it does make a difference in response, could you explain it to me?

[Dan Schultz]

Does it really make a difference whether the rotors turn into/against the airstream or with it on a rotary tuba?

I don't know if it really matters much but I plan to play a new Miraphone next weekend. If I like the feel of it then I will consider doing a conversion on my Carl Wunderlich BBb and Miraphone EEb. If I don't like them after the conversion I can always switch them back. I suspect that it will make a difference but I doubt if it will make me a better player!

[Chuck(G)]

Perhaps we can find a way to orient the ports for the very minimum amount of material so that the throw can be as short as possible. Of course, this is nearly structurally impossible and the valves would probably leak like a bastard.

Been done with rotaries, back in 1850 and known as "Allen Valves". Ovalized ports making for a smaller (and lighter) valve. Never made it past 1869. Conn's short-stroke was, by this measure, very old hat indeed.

[Chuck(G)]

You can do it with a gear-driven escapement mechanism. The moment the linkage arm changes direction, an extra gear is inserted into the drive train that changes the direction of drive--you can also change the ratio at the same time.