Adolphe Saxs bass saxhorn with four valves--three on top and one on the side--first appeared in his saxotromba patent of 1845. The fourth valve extended the range of the instrument so that the instrument’s fundamental pitch could be played. According to Dr. Sabine Klaus, Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Curator of Brass Instruments, many bass saxhorns were made with Berlin valves, but this one features three hybrid valves, while only the fourth valve on the side is a true Berlin valve. Sax experimented with valve developments throughout his career to improve sound quality and intonation. The NMMs example was made in Adolphe Saxs Paris workshop in 1870.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:00:00 +0000
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