TubeNet

Just came across this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk_9h6UP2Cs

If you're not interested in the trombone, forward to the 2 minute mark.

Very Tempting. The black is cool as is the silver.
Wish they could redesign the bracing on the front.
Just looks weird. Do that, and I think I'd be a customer

It does seem to play, and quite well at that.

We have to get them around the states so us geezers can have a whirl with them.

I have a question from the video about the playing of the plastic tuba. Not trying to be smart as the guy is very good, but when playing, he really puffs out his cheeks. I have always been told that that is self defeating technique. Any comments on that?

As for the tuba itself, it looks OK and sounds fine but the linkage to the valves look a little delicate to me. But, I have only ever played a tuba or euphonium with traditional button push valves.

I think the superlatives are a bit exaggerated (is it REALLY the best tuba he's played in 30 years, and if so, should he be selling us tubas?), but it's neat that the concept seems to work. I don't really like the way it sounds, but until it's in the hands of someone who is known as a good tuba player, I can't make any judgments about it. Neat idea though.

I liked the way the tuba sounded with the second player. It sounded like a different instrument. Perhaps the first player was pushing too hard (hence the puffed cheeks)?
I also found this video that gives a better characteristic sound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mrtEsQYDJs
The specs seem to put it at a full 4/4 tuba:
Bore: 21 mm
Bell: 485 mm
High: 940 mm
It looks like you could order one from here:
http://www.rheinsoundmusic.com/index.ph ... id=22&id=8
If I had $960 lying around with nothing better to do I would give it a try, but the $350 shipping is a bummer.

Had been a bit more informative had the tuba been tested by more experienced tubists. If these players really can play tuba, I never would buy that tuba. And a lighter BBb biggie really would be handy for me.

Klaus

I just put the video link on the Facebook page of a professional tubist, a TubeNet’er, from that town. Asking him whether he had played that tuba.

Klaus

Curmudgeon wrote:I predict that it is only a matter of time before someone wins a major orchestral audition using a plastic tuba.

Remember you heard it here first.

I'm already looking forward to the "Which plastic tuba wins most auditions" thread...

.

Jose the tuba player wrote:I have a video of scott sutherland memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=20 playing the tiger tuba at namm but it is really bad quality.
i tried three at namm and only one of the three actually worked, the salesman told me it would be 800 retail and about 400 for those that would resell these tubas.

Please explain what you mean by only one of the three actually worked - is it valves sticking, leaks, something else?
(Often instruments at shows have issues due to improper handling, lack of oiling, etc)

The video is bad quality, or the tuba?

Curmudgeon wrote:I predict that it is only a matter of time before someone wins a major orchestral audition using a plastic tuba.

Remember you heard it here first.

Heh, heh.

imperialbari wrote:Had been a bit more informative had the tuba been tested by more experienced tubists.

Not a tubist, but certainly an experienced musician.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLAHSgZaMU0" target="_blank"

Hup

I am hoping someone will post a video of the Tiger played with an experienced tubist's finesse, with a well-matched mouthpiece.

All I'm hearing now is blat, blat, blat.

WC8KCY wrote:I am hoping someone will post a video of the Tiger played with an experienced tubist's finesse, with a well-matched mouthpiece.

All I'm hearing now is blat, blat, blat.

MartyNeilan wrote: I also found this video that gives a better characteristic sound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mrtEsQYDJs

When the recorder (probably a cellphone) moves away from the instrument, the sound is pretty decent. Up close, there is distortion on the attacks. (Kudos to the tuba player for playing with a strong crisp attack.)

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Tubahokk wrote:I have a question from the video about the playing of the plastic tuba. Not trying to be smart as the guy is very good, but when playing, he really puffs out his cheeks. I have always been told that that is self defeating technique. Any comments on that?

My personal take on this is, a little movement in the cheeks might be OK, a lot is not. Don't be like this trumpet player -

great player, but he has messed up his face. That probably goes beyond what could even theoretically happen playing tuba, but anyway. However, I'm some dolt with a computer on the internet, and if you have been getting instruction from a bona fide teacher actually present in the room, whatever he or she says is very likely more on target than my BS.

I hear a slight buzzing or rattling sound when that tuba is played.

The real test will be when a good tuba player plays that tuba in an ensemble setting to get a better idea of how it blends, projects, etc.

I found one through Ali Baba, it was around $500 but shipping was also $500. I would have taken a chance with a dodgy seller for $500 but not $1000. I'll wait until they are selling in the US for under $800. Guess, I'll have to re-learn BBb fingerings.

^ +1 ...I'll probably get one after the bugs are worked-out and the price is lower / more reasonable....it's plastic after all!