Tuning of a double horn
Yes, it is a Holton horn. Thank you for that information about what that slide is. That water slide (with the symbol) was jammed way out when I first acquiered the horn. After we finally got it out we saw that the slide must have been dropped because the end of the one side was bent which had been why it was jammed immovable to begin with. Now it works. The slide is only a fraction of an inch out past it's mark. When I first got the horn I noticed it was difficult to tune the F side perfectly. When we finally got that slide unjammed and I got it back in it was obvious that the horn tuned to itself much easier. It was a relief to find out what the problem was. Still, it can't be totally in either. Don't know why. I have checked it with tuners many times and there seems to be the slightest off balance if it is in all the way. Maybe it's just one of those funny things about the fact each horn is different. Besides the fact there is never any water there I don't like to pull that slide because it still is slightly out of round enough that it is a nuisance to pull and put back in. So, it pretty much stays in place. The hand position I mentioned was NOT how I play the horn. I was referring to the fact that jamming the hand in all the way while trying to get the 1st initial tuning of the slides into a reasonable position for the horn deadends the sound and doesn't make tuning it any easier. We had one horn player that even the director had to kindly remind her a few times that they were muffling their sound with their hand position. My suggestions were just for added help. I can't see where exact measurements given would always work for every horn made even if it is the same model. There are too many variables. I do not have no trouble playing in tune with other instruments. If I am out I adjust accordingly as best I can. Just a quote so that all don't think I'm just assuming so. Once, while playing the same notes along up high with our lead player on a particular passage, the conductor asked if I had even been playing. Without hesitation our lead player avidly said yes. Well, have to go visit with one of the grandkids. _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
