3 + 1 vs. 4 Inline (valves)

[bbocaner]

It's also very helpful if the inner and outer tubes are truly parallel. Lots of brand new high-end instruments are parallel and aligned enough so that they are usable, but not good enough that they will work smoothly once lapped like this.

[RickF]

"Chris Olka is an excellent example of playing a tuba with these strings." (RickF)

I think I am jealous of how effortless and smooth his slides seem to work. It barely seems that he is pushing or pulling on them at all. I wonder what his secret, and choice of lube, is.
- Sara

Pretty sure Mr. Olka uses Resilience Oil products. Probably the 'kicker slide' lube.
See his review of Resilience Oil from Sept. 2018.
...

[Will]

Marzan (Willson) also have a 4-valve front-valve compensating euphonium, similar to the Festivo. They have upright bells. I think Besson actually made a similar horn for a while, and offered a curved bell (not sure, though).

I posted about this a few years ago. My daughter became quite used to using front action 3v piston horns (both upright and forward bell) in middle school. I wanted to get her a 4v horn for high school. She was quite adament about having front action valves in a 4v. Being neither able to find nor afford the Wilson, I located a King 2268 at Baltimore Brass. It is 4v, non-compensating, bel up. At the time, they had 2 and she play tested and selected her favorite. It is very light but has a nice tone.