B15M

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rowuk

I think it is more than just the second valve and more is involved than using his own valves.
Every time you have a sharp corner in a pipe (like in a valve), funny things happen. Dave is an amateur radio operator and funny things happen when you have a sharp bend in an antenna wire too. He often compares those two concepts.
The 4th valve is a convenience to play lower. My experience with 4-valved instruments is that they are in fact inferior to similar 3 valved ones. The resonance and ease of play on the 3 valved horns seems to be much greater. My rotary picc is also 3 valved for that reason. I have a long 3rd valve slide for the low Ds or Ebs. I tried both ways when designing the horn. That experience was matched also with a Schilke 3 vs 4 valve play test.
Dave would have to figure out something VERY radical to get his performance ideal out of a 4 valve picc. He is known for unique solutions, maybe one day.......

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richardbailey

Thanks everyone for your assistance and advice. Since I'm a bit new to the Monette equipment and had a very pic. heavy Easter service to play (out of town with an organ that is notoriously flat), I was getting a little anxious and didn't want to be going back and forth with mouthpieces. Long story short: Manny's advice reassured me that I was on the right path as to my approach/practice, and the performance went really well.