Originally Posted by
TheJH
As someone that has fiddled around with a Yamaha 621, I can say that this is actually NOT an ergonomic configuration. The natural way to hold a eupho is already to hold/wrap your hand around the main branch. Having the 4th valve be inbetween the 3rd valve tuning slide and the main branch means you have to bring back your left arm to your body to actually use the 4th valve, causing extra strain on the left wrist and elbow because of the tighter angle, and the more claw-like grip you need to apply to hold both the tubing and the valve casing.
I do not agree. I'm playing with the Prestige (4th valve behind the main branch) and with the French C tuba (3 valves operated with the left hand in front): On the Prestige the hand remains rotated at least 60 degrees with respect to the forearm, causing a level stress of the wrist (I use a hand strap on this instrument) and, after a while, a discomfort-pain in the thumb joint that activates the trigger, while on the French tuba the hand remains in line with the forearm totally eliminating the discomfort that I warn with the Prestige. It might just be an individual factor but for me it is.
2007 Besson Prestige 2052, 3D+ K&G mouthpiece; JP373 baritone, 4B modified K&G mouthpiece; Bach 42GO trombone, T4C K&G mouthpiece; 1973 Besson New Standard 3 compensated valves, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece; Wessex French C tuba, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece.