^ Hey, if it works for you and you sound good on it then great Maybe Jupiter has improved these sousas over the years too. Everyone has opinions and likes different things. Some tuba players really enjoy the Conn souzys and some really enjoy the Kings. I recently bought an old 4-valve Eb King Raincatcher Souzy from a certain website and am in love!! This horn has such a warm and sweet sound. I am still getting used to it but I am having a blast!
I like the Yamaha Sousaphones. I think that the issues brought forth in this forum are legitimate and should be addressed. It should be noted though that Yamaha is trying something different with the detachable branches and valve cluster. These features make it easier to service these instruments.
bloke wrote:' just finished servicing several. I didn't take apart any of the branches, and didn't remove any of the valvesets...
...but I DID scrounge up some lap brace screws out my my own junk to replace some that were missing on those instruments.
I REALLY believe the reason those parts are detachable is to be able to hire large or small (as well as male or female) people to BUFF the parts of those sousaphones during the MANUFACTURING process.
Get outa my head, man!!!!
Seriously, I think you're right; and those cursed screws come out all the bloody time!
Instructor of Tuba & Euphonium, Cleveland State University
Principal Tuba, Firelands Symphony Orchestra
President, Variations in Brass http://www.jcsherman.net
Maybe Jupiter has improved these sousas over the years too. Everyone has opinions and likes different things. Some tuba players really enjoy the Conn souzys and some really enjoy the Kings. I recently bought an old 4-valve Eb King Raincatcher Souzy from a certain website and am in love!! 
This horn has such a warm and sweet sound. I am still getting used to it but I am having a blast! 
