How much 4th valve pull is useful?

[Michael Bush]

If I pulled both 4th valve slides on my new-to-me HB2P to their outer limits, I could add in the neighborhood of 34-36 inches of total length to that circuit compared to both slides all the way in. Why would I want to do that?

[iiipopes]

Some players prefer an alternate tuning for the 4th valve. One of the more common uses, when the older 5th valves were two whole steps (2+3) down instead of simply the lowered whole tone, was to use 1+3 for the perfect 4th down, since it was not needed for 2+3, and to use 4th for the tritone, or even the perfect fifth.

[PaulMaybery]

For instance if you have only 4 valves, the long pull would facilitate the semitone above the fundamental. (all 4 valves and the long pull) In a similar fashion, bass trombonists with 1 rotor use this technique to get the Bnat above pedal Bflat.

[michael_glenn]

Tucker Jolly has a four valve HB-2P. My guess is with that long of a pull, you can get a low Db with just four valves. The four valve version was probably designed before the five. Maybe? Just a guess.

[TheGoyWonder]

That's awesome, usually 4th valve is barely long enough and it's infuriating.

[bort]

If your old 2145 was a BBC version, then I *think* one of the mods was to cut the excess from the slide tubes. Leave them long enough to do the job, but eliminate the extra mass and free up the horn a bit. I *think*.

[iiipopes]

That's likely ample tubing to play a 2nd partial CC, which makes a righteous sound.

Word.

[J.c. Sherman]

My BMB 3/4 is an amazing 3/4 (7/8?) CC. The 4th pull is HUGE. I have it tuned for the tri-tone with 2, like Mr. Bishop trained me. But I can yank it - believe it or not - to make low Db possible. HUGE pull! It's wonderful. A simple quintet with the option to do damage in the basement when necessary.

I have the small-bell version.

J.c.S.

[Davidus1]

My BMB 3/4 is an amazing 3/4 (7/8?) CC. The 4th pull is HUGE. I have it tuned for the tri-tone with 2, like Mr. Bishop trained me. But I can yank it - believe it or not - to make low Db possible. HUGE pull! It's wonderful. A simple quintet with the option to do damage in the basement when necessary.

I have the small-bell version.

J.c.S.

It sounds like you are very happy with the horn? I haven't heard much about the 3/4 BMBs. Was curious how they play.

[Lectron]

I always find enough to be adequate

[Bill Troiano]

I'm also curious about the BMB 3/4 CC, especially if there's a large bell option. I haven't seen it at any conferences I attended. I think I'm looking for a 4 valve, 4/4ish CC to replace my 621CC.

[Bob Kolada]

I played it at Midwest a few years ago- very easy to play, zippy sound.

[J.c. Sherman]

I'm also curious about the BMB 3/4 CC, especially if there's a large bell option. I haven't seen it at any conferences I attended. I think I'm looking for a 4 valve, 4/4ish CC to replace my 621CC.

It's a fantastic horn. I had no budget or need for it, but after playing it three times and adoring it, I needed to have it! I'd play this over a 621 CC in a nanosecond! And I much prefer the smaller bell version. YMMV.

J.c.S.

[Bill Troiano]

Now, I'm really excited, although I'm afraid I hijacked the original thread. What did Will Smith say in Independence Day? "I've got to get me one of these!"

[hduong]

I tune my 4th valve on my Kanstul to a B natural for a few pieces in band literature. Also really helps me when playing the Eb and below since I play really sharp in that register.