Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a 4 valve Baritone/Euphonium.  It is peculiar in a couple of different ways.  There is NO manufacturer engraving anywhere.  The valves have markings: 1st valve marked: 25.  2nd: 26  3rd: 27  and the 4th valve is marked: 1.   Those are the only markings on the instrument.  There are no other serial numbers or engravings.  Another thing peculiar is that the 4th valve when played = normal valves 2

ANSWER: The valve numbers are are just maker's marks so that they can keep track of which piston goes with which casing.  Are you saying that the 4th valve lowers the pitch 1/2 step?



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was just wondering if a certain manufacturer used the 25,26,27 designation on the valves. (Just wanted to know if there was any way to identify the manufacturer.)   For the 4th valve.  If you play an open C, then press the 4 valve, it would go down to A-flat/G-sharp.  On typical 4th valves, when 4 is depressed you would be playing a "G".    4th valve on this horn equates to 2&3 on 3 valve instruments.  So I believe it lowers pitch 2 steps.  (From C to G-sharp, or from G to E-flat, etc. depending on where you start.)

Answer
Regarding the valve markings: Actually, that is a fairly common practice at one time.  Most makers would do that.  The numbers just mean that the valve making department made a string of valves and these were 25-27.  The numbers were just used to keep the casing and the piston together.

Curious 4th valve:  I can't think of any reason why that would be a preferred setting for the 4th valve.  Seems like all the valve combinations would be more difficult that way.   For your use, is the slide long enough to allow you to get down to G?  If not you might want to have some slide extenders made so it works in the conventional way.