Tuba Hobbyist Dream

[zatoichi]

My introduction to the TubeNet community.

I am a 67yr old, retired, theatrical technician (stagehand), technical director, designer, w/4 yrs service in the USMC '67-71. For 6yrs in Jr HS & HS, I played French Horn (a single, school owned). Upon graduation in '65, I was not able to continue my musical interest.

Fast forward 47yrs. Three yrs ago I awakened that interest and I am now an tuba hobbyist enjoying playing in community bands and playing at home anytime. I am largely a self-taught tubist and work from many sources.

I am a proud and happy owner of a tuba engraved CONN 15J, (but it is actually a King 1140) it is a silver convertible marching/concert tuba. I also use a Helleberg mouthpiece.

Due to an old injury, I am not able to rely on my left hand/arm for support, so I use a tuba rest and find that the upright valve style tuba is best suited for me.

I have become envious of those who own big 4-5-6 valved tubas, but alas, big is not in my tuba owning future. A small 3/4 or 4/4, BBb, w/4 upright valves is what I am dreaming of. I have no hopes of being involved with an orchestra, ensemble, quintet, etc. I am very happy to play Sousa and be a member of a TUBA SECTION in a band.

As a retired (working class) person, my funds are extremely limited, so I must be cautious in my selection of another tuba.

Last month a TubeNetter posted pics of a MW11 that he had gotten, and asked for assistance from this community.

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This person has now listed this tuba on ebay. I contacted the seller and he confessed that he is not a Tuba Player. That means he joined TubeNet just to access information from its members.

I do have a question, especially for those who have experience with the MW11 & King 1140. Could this MW11 be a step-up for me? It has 4-upright valves, but is it a tuba that will allow me to grow as a player?

I enjoy TubeNet and read most everything that is posted. It is funny to read the posts from young players seeming, overly concerned about purchasing (or having their parents purchase) costly instruments well before they have any idea what the real world is like.

Thank you for reading my post.

Ernest

[bort]

Welcome back! It's never too late to restart, and I think it's just terrific you are playing again.

I don't know too much about the tubas you mentioned, but I know they are both decent instruments. Another tuba of that size would be an Olds O-99, which has either 3 or 4 front-action valves. Not a huge horn, but easy to play and sounds nice. People call them "7/8" size (so, between 3/4 and 4/4). They haven't been made for many years, but they still come around from time to time.

If you're willing to share with us your budget and location, we could probably help you a little more with finding other options in your area, or any stores that might be close enough to you to visit. Ebay isn't necessarily a bad place, but buying from a trusted seller who is a tuba player would likely be a MUCH better experience.

[deholder]

Ernest,

I played tuba as a hobby through the 80's and 90's. I even purchased a nice Miraphone 186. However, when the wife and then baby came we made the decision to sell the tuba (ironically on TubeNet, but no matter how hard I search in the archive I cannot find the original thread). 15 years later I have decided to start playing again. I spun my way through several horns, first cheap, then expensive and have now settled on a Mack Brass 210L, and I love it. I played in our local Christmas production, Tuba Christmas, and now the student orchestra (they were short a tuba so they invited me).

Right out of the gate I was asked to play in a quintet and I was frankly, not up to the task. I was just too far behind the curve. They were polite, professional and honest. I practice 3-5 hours a week and have become a much stronger player. In a year and a half I am probably as good if not better than when I was a student. But I have a ways to go as well.

I find myself coveting an old King Sousaphone for no known reason. I like the King brand and plan to purchase a King Baritone from the 50's (the one with the red lined case). One came up here on the forum not to long ago and by the time I saw the add it was sold. My loss. My wife says I have a 'condition' but she loves that I am playing again. It is like therapy.

I tore my rotator cup in my left shoulder and will soon require surgery (we are negotiating the data and physical therapy). It makes handling the tuba and even practicing with it a bit of a chore. I have to be careful. So I have started using a Tuba Rest as well and it has made a big difference.

anyway from one old Noob to another, welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your story.

[Ricko]

I picked up one of these (the Getzen/MW11) for my son when he was in Jr. High... they play pretty nicely and ergonomically work pretty well.

After he moved into high school and was provided better horns, we sold it to another Jr. High student through via a world class tech/player who tweaked it on the way.

It seemed to be built like a tank - very solid - but played pretty well in tune. It was a little stuffy compared with a piggy, but was pretty easy to play.

Good luck

Ricko

[bigtubby]

A year or so ago I owned a King 1140 and a MW 10 (3 valve MW 11) at the same time and found them to be quite similar in terms of playability and voice.

As Joe mentioned the MW 11 gives the advantage of the fourth valve, if you like the 1140 (as I did) I think you would love the MW 11.