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On stage with a symphony orchestra, the tuba (though big, sometimes shiny, and played by a big person) is mostly parenthetical.
The operator should attempt to minimize themselves and their instruments as being distractions to the main event (fiddles, principal oboe, and so forth).

To me, that means "as many water keys as necessary to avoid unnecessary motion, unnecessary noises, and accidents".

I've just installed the 8th one on this instrument.

I've spent more time with it lately, and discovered that water (with no outlet - other than twirling or removing the slide) significantly collects in the upper #3.

This is my second UPPER RETURN water key, as I've had one on the #1 slide for quite some time.

Removing water from any place on this instrument involves no more than depressing a valve and a water key, or those two plus a subtle tilt of the instrument.

bloke "you know: trumpet players kicking over mutes, tuba players dropping slides on the floor or (fists-a-flying), accidentally spilling spit on the bass trombonist"




If still have some 5th linkage issues to resolve with this instrument (which - as of this week - have been solved in my mind, and the solution - for improvement - is simple). Otherwise (whenever I feel as though I have the time/energy...LOL as if...) it's ready to polish and shoot with clear.

Upper #3 floats as smoothly as upper #1. Per typical, when I make provisions for something (once an instrument is completed) I find that it's not needed. Serendipitously, all four of the 2-3 combination pitches are happy with the 3rd slide remaining in one spot.

Holton BB-flat (same body/bell as 32"-tall 4/4 York BB-flat w/19" bell) - it's a wonderful li'l thing.

When I redo the 5th linkage, I might (if I remember) dig up this thread.

I like the idea! For me I feel like water keys are too slow or don't dump it all for me. I find myself pulling and dumping slides out of necessity.

Not trying to be silly. This is a legit question/comment. When you press a water key, do you rock the instrument so that water contained anywhere in the tube has a chance to get to the port? Perhaps I have bad water key technique.

tubatodd wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 11:57 am I like the idea! For me I feel like water keys are too slow or don't dump it all for me. I find myself pulling and dumping slides out of necessity.

Not trying to be silly. This is a legit question/comment. When you press a water key, do you rock the instrument so that water contained anywhere in the tube has a chance to get to the port? Perhaps I have bad water key technique.

Of course I tilt the instrument for those two unconventional water keys, but
(conventional water keys on the lower slides) I position them so at they are already at the bottom of the curve in playing position.

With my Miraphone 98 (besides ADDING water keys) I plugged the original water key holes (flush brass and silver brazing...Others likely have developed the same technique, but I developed it on my own) and MOVED their positions over to the lowest points in playing position.

I trombone player who I found annoying (personally), and also who played about 40c. SHARP (even though his tuning slide was pulled way out, and he played an oversize symphonic mouthpiece (4G), THOSE OFF-TOPIC THINGS ASIDE taught me something very useful. When emptying water keys, blow GENTLY - ONLY enough to break the surface tension around the hole. OTHERWISE, what happens is that the water tends to be blown PAST the hole (rather than being emptied).