Water Catchers
aside from possibly dampening vibration or causing poor vertical venting if the water catcher seals too tightly and doesn't allow air to move when the piston is pressed, I don't seem much rational reason why it would change the sound.
If there is an observed effect, I would guess that the dampening is probably the most likely mechanism. Neither of my horns have water catchers at the moment (although Kurt from Yamaha is supposedly sending me one if he finds one), but from my memory of using the water catchers I have used previously (on a Prestige and a Yamaha 642) is that you have to use a bit of force to put it on and take it off. Perhaps there are newer designs out there that don't require such force or perhaps I was putting it on incorrectly (although I sort of doubt that). Although I never thought about it until John raised the issue, I could easily see something like that dampening resonance.
- Scott
Euphoniums: Dillon 967, Monzani MZEP-1150S, Dillon 1067 (kid’s horn)
Bass Trombones: Greenhoe GB5-3G, Getzen 1052FDR, JP232
King Jiggs P-bone