The valve set was built up from a 3 valve to a 4 using a second valve, previous to the restoration. As you can see, the main slide was in the lead pipe and had to be moved after the valve set. Along the way Martin discovered that the Conn is made of Gold Brass, too! The horn plays easy, even and in tune throughout all registers, and has a huge, dark, sound with lots of core.
Here is a before and an after picture:
Here's one for perspective between the two BBb Martins:
from left to right: Martin Renowned 4/4 (Martin Wilk restoration), Conn Donatelli 5/4,
Martin Mammoth 6/4
I don't think I have to gush here, Martin's work speaks for itself.
If you've never played one of his creations, you're missing out!
