Typically, I'm not excited about this line of instruments...

[Three Valves]

So, what got you excited about it today??

[Dan Schultz]

..... I neither view the "removable valve section" as a plus or a minus. Obviously, the main advantage of this is in the (buffing and lacquering) manufacturing processes."

I don't have experience with the valve sections on the tubas. However... IF they are the same ones as are used on the 4V sousaphones they aren't braced well enough. I've had serious problems getting them back on the horn without having to lap the hell out of at least one of the casings.

[Dan Schultz]

I agree that this brand doesn't brace things as well as some other brands...but when there are one-inch-deep dents (oh...and - btw - some broken braces) I would chalk part of the problem up to "severe mishanding".

One thing's for sure...
If there are a bunch of schools near you that use this make of instruments - and you're responsible for repairing them during the summers - you had better stock up on mouthpipe, valve, and brace parts in the WINTER. There won't be any to be found anywhere during the summer.

(SHUDDER!) Joe... about 1/2 or 1% of the work I do is for schools. Shhhhh... DON'T tell 'em where I am!