Several modifications have been made to the horn. Numerous Saturn water keys have been added. A slide pull ring has been installed on the second valve. And all 4 pistons have been vented, allowing for silent slide pulls that don't affect your airstream.
Playing characteristics are typical of these horns. With the big bore, it can really move the Earth, with a pretty, American sound. It is extremely responsive for a horn of its size, and is capable of being played extremely loudly without breaking up. Low register is huge!
Intonation is alright, but not perfect. The main problem is that the D and Db in the staff are flat, which can be addressed by pushing the main tuning slide in. Slots are very wide as well. For low register notes, the upward facing fourth and main tuning slides make a fifth valve not as necessary. 2+4 can be easily pulled to put F# in tune, 1 4 pull and 234 push make F and E in tune, and 134 with a pull makes Eb in tune. I like a Sellmansberger imperial with the cup extender a lot more than a Helleberg on this tuba, and a PT88 works great too.
I can be contacted on this forum or at d a k t x 2 [at] g m a i l . com
