what size rifle strap?

[peter birch]

Remembering that some people had written on here that a rifle strap works as well as an actual tuba strap, I googled "rifle strap" and was happy to find some for 5 bucks. But how wide is ideal? I have never used any strap before. The biggest horn I anticipate carrying (and actually mostly standing) would be a Miraphone 187.

Thanks!

The wider the strap, the greater the weight distribution and so the greater the comfort. Another thing to bear in mind in that your average tuba probably weighs more than your average rifle, so you should make sure that it can take the weight.

[chhite]

A sling for an old M60 or a M249/240 automatic weapon should do fine. They often have industrial-strength clips on the ends and most of the sling is wider and padded for greater weight distribution and comfort. http://airsoftskirmish.co.uk/index.php? ... cts_id=130 is a good example of what I'm describing. Seems that many operators of those weapons systems are now using three-point slings which would not be compatible with strap hooks on a horn.

[imperialbari]

A sling for an old M60 or a M249/240 automatic weapon should do fine. They often have industrial-strength clips on the ends and most of the sling is wider and padded for greater weight distribution and comfort. http://airsoftskirmish.co.uk/index.php? ... cts_id=130 is a good example of what I'm describing. Seems that many operators of those weapons systems are now using three-point slings which would not be compatible with strap hooks on a horn.

Do they come in camouflage colours so that they will go unnoticed with any concert outfit?

Klaus

[Mojo workin']

http://airsoftskirmish.co.uk/index.php? ... cts_id=130 is a good example of what I'm describing. Seems that many operators of those weapons systems are now using three-point slings which would not be compatible with strap hooks on a horn.

I just wouldn't want it interfering with the trajectory of the tone, or the windage and elevation of the notes. The size of casings I'm using for Sousa and Fillmore make my horn extra heavy, hence my request to manufacterers to employ a three point system in the future.

With the muzzle velocity on some of the newer tubas with 4 perinet single-stroke pistons, it is almost a necessity for this three point system, in order that the recoil of the horn be tamed when double and triple tonguing a circus march.

BTW, I hear that Miraphone is developing a new grade of brass that enables the player a faster articulation speed, possibly in the range of 40,000 articulations per minute, or apm's. They are still working out the air-cooled system on the horns that employ this material, which inhibits the muzzle (or "bell" for you musicians) from becoming too hot during performance of pieces like "Carnival of Venice", "The Warrior Comes Out to Play", and other, percussive, high-art crowd pleasers.

[lgb&dtuba]

Of course, the sling will be most effective when you are playing in the prone position.

[Dean E]

Don't forget the hearing protection. Seriously though, take my tuba--please.

Seriously though, I bought a very nice leather, padded sling from Dicks Sporting Goods, and I attach it to the horn with black velcro (R) strips from Home Depot. You don't want to attach the sling with anything metal, which would scratch the horn.

[Dan Schultz]

Assuming that the harness loops on a Miraphone 187 are the same as those on a 186.... a sling that is up to 1" wide and as thick as 1/4" will work fine. One word of caution though.... those loops are fairly substantial but are just a heavy loop attached to a very thin backing plate. The 'classic' damage I often see is the bottom loop getting bent as if it struck something as the horn was being pushed across a shelf or something. If those loops are bent back and forth a time or two, the mechanical bond between the loop and backing plate will be compromised. I had the bottom one break off on a B & S stencil once during a stand-up gig. Luckily, I had a good grip on the horn and wasn't in the middle of a page turn.

[Mojo workin']

It really depends on what caliber of tuba you are shooting with.

Yours summed it up better than mine, Schlep.

[David Richoux]

In this case, an Contra Shoulder position gives more support...

army-ophicleide.jpg

[OldsRecording]

Now, if you'll notice, these horns are mounted on wheeled carrages which would eliminate the need for a strap.

war_tubas.jpg

(Sorry- just had to do it...)

[iiipopes]

Damn! Beat me to it!

Or, instead of a strap, you could use the sling the British military uses for their marching tubas.

[eupher61]

Maybe someone can find the cartoon, but I've not been able to.

A marching violin section. Everyone except the right column has a patch on their right eye.

Think about it.

[DavidK]

Sinclair's, Brownell's or Champions Choice should have enough stock to cover your rifle sling desires.

For comfort and simplicity, try a Planet Waves 3 inch wide padded shoulder strap.

Good Hunting!

[iiipopes]

Maybe someone can find the cartoon, but I've not been able to.

A marching violin section. Everyone except the right column has a patch on their right eye.

Think about it.

Same reason my high school band director put the bones in the front row!