The second valve slide trigger might come in handy. I owned a PT-6 and I constantly kick myself for selling it. The only thing I would've added is a second valve trigger like yours, because there was a pitch discrepancy (really the only one on the horn) between Ab and Eb. Eb rode a bit high. With the trigger, you should be all set.
Mine was a silverplate '96 and not handmade AFAIK. I sold it to Doug Black. Great tubas!
It is a pretty good tuba! The only real issue I have is that the 5th valve paddle is a bit of a stretch. How would one know if it was handmade? I've thought about adding the 2nd valve trigger too.
DB
Doug Black, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Music, Alabama A&M University
Eastman Tuba Artist
The second valve slide trigger might come in handy. I owned a PT-6 and I constantly kick myself for selling it. The only thing I would've added is a second valve trigger like yours, because there was a pitch discrepancy (really the only one on the horn) between Ab and Eb. Eb rode a bit high. With the trigger, you should be all set.
Mine was a silverplate '96 and not handmade AFAIK. I sold it to Doug Black. Great tubas!
It is a pretty good tuba! The only real issue I have is that the 5th valve paddle is a bit of a stretch. How would one know if it was handmade? I've thought about adding the 2nd valve trigger too.
DB
How to tell if its handmade:
1) you'll see the hammer marks inside (or out, after repairs) on the bottom and top bow, etc
2) lighter than normal PT6, by about 800g
3) Bob Tucci says so
I think even the most regular off the shelf PT6 is also a very nice tuba!
Today removed the 2nd valve kicker (which I never used anyway) and the flat whole step fifth valve. Was shocked by the weight difference:
rsz_120190508_134745.jpg
There are a few braces for the 2nd valve kicker too... so if I *really* don't miss it, I'll have those removed as well. Overall, nearly a full pound.
As for the 5th valve, I've spent a lot of time with both configurations. I learned on the long 5th valve, so that comes naturally to me. But the flat whole step is perhaps a bit more familiar at this point, and seems to respond better as well. Plus using 235 for Db and Gb (and 45 for F) are hard habits to break.
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Great that you really like your PT-6. I think some ppl like the rotor version because it has a little more textured sound compared to the piston version. Either way, it's a nice tuba model Cool that you know more about your tuba, even who made it. Are you going to keep your trigger mechanism or sell it
Thanks! Yes, its easy to understand why the PT6 is so popular. I always knew this, just never thiught I'd end up getting to own one. Things just worked out this time!
The 2v kicker will stay with the horn. Who knows, I may end up wanting it back on there again, its only been off for a few hours.
However, removing it and changing the 5v slide configuration really did shed a considerable amount of weight. I think from 23 lbs to 22 lbs. Could all be in my head, but I think it feels lighter and responds/resonated better now too. More lively...?
Cool that you know more about your tuba, even who made it. Are you going to keep your trigger mechanism or sell it 
