Triggers......can't live with them can't live without them?

[graeme]

I removed the trigger lever of my ten years old Besson Prestige to remake the gold plating that came off; the craftsman is busy and he will take some time to the job, so I now play without the trigger. The problematic notes are two, F fifth line and G above (TC), which I play with the alternative positions, 1-3 for F and 1-2 for G. They are harmonic sevenths ( 31 cents lower than the temperate scale), but 1-3 and, to a lesser extent 1-2 are combinations that generate increasing sounds (for this reason the fourth valve is present), the result obtained is a perfect matched F and a slightly waning G, which can be easily put in place with the lips. I have not had difficulty using alternative positions as I used 1-3 for F on my previous horn, a Courtoise 165, while for G I used the normal open position because it was ok.

Would also expect F# in between to be sharp

[davewerden]

The Adams E2 I now have does not need a trigger. The only iffy note I have is 4th space G in the bass clef, which is horribly sharp when fingered 1-2. I play 3rd valve on that note when extended and that fixes it nicely.

Agreed. For me it is not a "change" anyway, because I have used 3 for the middle G for many years on Besson, Sterling, and Adams. Most of the time. I can manage 12 in many passages if I just pull it down. But recently I tried to use it when I shouldn't have.

Here are a pair of movie songs (from Superman and Peter Pan) that we turned into a medley based on the theme of flying. ("Can You Read My Mind" is generally called the "Flying Sequence from Superman.") and the song "I'm Flying" is a natural fit. During the second song I was experimenting with using 1&2 for concert G (because of the context) on my new Adams E3, which taught me I still want to use 3 on that note! Part of that is due to me trying to put plenty of energy into that sustained G, which in Dave's World can result in sharpness on any note. But here the 3 would actually have been the easier finger anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6bIGq7rzqc

[franz]

Would also expect F# in between to be sharp

On my horn F# is only a little high, so easily obtained with the normal position ( the notes of the second valve are slightly low)

[Jonathantuba]

I am not in favour of main tuning slide triggers on euphoniums, because I don’t think the slide is suitable - it is too wide and too short for the purpose making a tendency to stick, or leak.

Wessex are looking at alternatives for the new fully hand-made compensated euphonium we are currently developing.

In the mean time, I think the EP100 Dolce does quite well without a trigger. I know when we did a trigger version, it was a pain!

[davewerden]

Wessex are looking at alternatives for the new fully hand-made compensated euphonium we are currently developing.

That's an interesting statement! I'm curious to see if you can find a better solution, partly because I agree with your assessment of the mechanical disadvantages of the current trigger systems. The real trick is to find a way to tune down (and adding "up" would be wonderful) a practical amount while still maintaining the conical bore profile.

[Eupher6]

That's an interesting statement! I'm curious to see if you can find a better solution, partly because I agree with your assessment of the mechanical disadvantages of the current trigger systems. The real trick is to find a way to tune down (and adding "up" would be wonderful) a practical amount while still maintaining the conical bore profile.

Just idly curious how much the leadpipe could be "extended" in some sort of trigger arrangement in which the left hand could "squeeze" a device. Sort of like some trumpet 3rd valve slides are extended -- rather than "kicking out" the slide, the gizmo is "squeezed" to extend the tubing.

I'm obviously no brass tech, but I'm wondering if the pitch can be significantly lowered (or raised) with minimal movement vice the main tuning slide.

[J_Herbell]

On my horn High D doesn't want to come out for some reason, I've used every fingering under the sun and only 2nd valve works however it is extremely sharp so thankfully I do have my trigger to lower that pitch because up in that register it is sort of hard to bend pitches to where you want them.

[franz]

Would also expect F# in between to be sharp

This note does not require alternative positions as it is not very sharp and is easily controlled with the lips.

[franz]

On my horn High D doesn't want to come out for some reason, I've used every fingering under the sun and only 2nd valve works however it is extremely sharp so thankfully I do have my trigger to lower that pitch because up in that register it is sort of hard to bend pitches to where you want them.

This is also true for me on my Prestige, as well as for the high B.

[jkircoff]

I have a Sterling Virtuoso with a trigger and for the rare circumstance I need it, I'm especially glad I have it at my disposal. I use it more to match other instruments that are out of tune than to flatten sharp pitches coming from the Sterling.