dHoff

I think the question is, given a specific horn, will drilling a hole and putting in a waterkey change the sound and is that change acceptable. If we believe Mr. Mallone and many others, the answer is clearly yes to the first question. The Olympus was designed to be a no compromise instrument. There is no mystery as to why Alex dscided not to drill a hole he didn't believe was needed.

Now as to the Olympus, Some love them. Some Hate them. Most of the people who hate them haven't played them. But there are some who have played them and don't like them. So to the original post. PLAY THE THING. There is no doubt that there design principals have been agreed with by many "experts" and disagreed with by just as many. There is also no doubt it is produced by some of the finest craftsmen in the world.

Play One. You might just like it. And if you do, there are few like it at any where near this price.

If your near NY, let me know. I can hook you up with a trail session. And no I am not a zues salesman.

dcstep

I've owned horns with no waterkey on the third slide and horns with a waterkey. The best playing one out of several fine horns had a waterkey.

Give me a great playing horn with a waterkey any day. (Dropping the 3d slide on a concrete floor during the middle of the 3d set can be a big bummer, particularly when the slide won't go back in the horn).

As I said before, the presence or lack of a third slide key should not influence a horn selection decision. Play the horns and buy the one that responds best to you and delivers the sound that you seek.

Dave

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