Playing a big tuba improves smaller tuba playing

[Wyvern]

One thing I have noticed to my surprise since getting my Cerveny Kaiser BBb, which takes a huge amount of air and a lot of control, is that my 6/4 Neptune (which is all the same smaller bore) now seems noticeably easier to handle. I guess that the greater control and increased air required for the Kaiser is improving my technique and stamina!

This follows on to if I practice on my large contrabass tubas first in a practice session, a more difficult piece on bass tuba seems that much easier.

This is a tip I cannot remember reading on TubeNet, so just thought I would share my experience.

[jon112780]

Another thing that *may* halp is to tape the spit valve open for a while. Then pull the tape off and 'feel' the difference. This does use more air, but it dosen't compare to whippin' out a much larger horn (if you have one just sittin' there).

[eupher61]

I believe it could also be theorized that playing a big tuba will increase the decibel output of a big tuba geometrically.

does that mean square waves?

[JCalkin]

One of my teachers said he took a lesson w/ Sam Pilafian and said that he used to keep a dump truck sized BBb in his office just to warm up on, for this very reason.

I can't corroborate this story but thought I'd share it anyway.

[Tubaguy56]

I've never heard of him doing that, but it is very possible if it were pre-breathing gym (two ways to get to the same place-one works better)