Instrument for small theatre pits??

[Bassmeant]

Hello all!

New to the group and looking to learn from all of you.
I’m a bassist (please don’t hate me!), mostly playing musical theatre gigs these days. I played tuba through high school and college, but haven’t played in years and would like to get back into it, both for a fun challenge and to use for occasional doubling work.

Several of the theaters where I often work have *very* small pits, so instrument size is an unfortunate factor. On the upside, I don’t foresee needing this tuba to be able to compete with a full orchestra or fill a concert hall.
Given that this isn’t my primary instrument, and that I’m starting from such a low level, I’d like to keep this first investment under $2000, if possible. And since it’s been (*cough*) a little while since I’ve played, I think I’d be game for an instrument in any key (if people have any opinions there).
(Originally, I thought a small “travel” tuba Iike the Wessex Mighty Gnome/Midget or Schiller Portermans would be ideal, but I’m getting the impression that they’re not very well-regarded).
HELP!

Thanks, in advance, for everyone’s thoughts!

[cctubaneeds]

Hi,

I am the opposite of you, I played Bass in school and am now looking at getting back into it.

For this situation, I would suggest a "piggy" style instrument. Cerveny was the original, they come up used or JP 379B. I have played the Cerveny, I find them to have a good useable tone and they are compact. The Yamaha 621 or copies are good too but for me they are a little small and bright sounding.

I do not suggest the Gnome/Porterman for true tuba tone unless mic'd and even then they take a lot of effort for my preference.

Depending on how much effort for practice, a good Medium sized Eb would work too. I like the sound and they are more compact than most Bb. All new fingerings, but you are probably starting from scratch anyway.

[Michael Grant]

http://www.mackbrass.com/TU422L_BB_Tuba.php" target="_blank" target="_blank

Might be what you are looking for. Mack Brass did have a 4 valve rotary horn that, according to them, was designed specifically for pit orchestra but it is no longer on their site. Too bad as I was very interested that one. Anyways there is also a used Conn 5J for $1800 on here I believe. I know a number of bass and bass-bone players that double on those when they need a tuba.

Best of luck.

[MackBrass]

http://www.mackbrass.com/TU422L_BB_Tuba.php" target="_blank" target="_blank

Might be what you are looking for. Mack Brass did have a 4 valve rotary horn that, according to them, was designed specifically for pit orchestra but it is no longer on their site. Too bad as I was very interested that one. Anyways there is also a used Conn 5J for $1800 on here I believe. I know a number of bass and bass-bone players that double on those when they need a tuba.

Best of luck.

That was a good horn but we found it impossible to keep at an attractive price especially when the tariff hit us. But at the same time, our 422 3/4 BBb model came out so good that we saw no need to carry two 3/4 models. The 422 model is as close to plug and play as you can get. Our first large batch of 30 are almost gone since they arrived before Christmas. Increasing the bell from 14.3 to 16 makes it sound like a real tuba with more depth and color.

[Scubatuba]

OK doubler- I am one too. You need a good BBb horn to help get you more gigs. You don't have time to fiddle with other keys. You need a horn that has the sound and intonation that represents you. You don't have time to fool around with quirky horns. You have a bar to pick it up and go. Meinl Weston 2011 Hojo series- front action rotor or piston horn. Your double should be at least on the same level quality wise as your main instrument. You are judged by the company you keep.

[Bassmeant]

Great advice and thoughts, so far. The hunt begins! Thank you all!

[The Big Ben]

Olds BBb 099. Smallish horn, big sound. In 3v and 4v. Popular in junior high band rooms so some are beat up. If you are that squeezed in the pit, a horn which plays well but isn't perfect might do the trick. Can be had in good condition in your price range. Maybe less if you don't mind a few dents and scratches.

[MN_TimTuba]

If $2000 is your top dollar, check this one at Dillon's. It's tall, but skinny. Here - https://www.dillonmusic.com/dillon-musi ... -tuba.html" target="_blank
Good luck, and welcome back to Tuba.

[tokuno]

It needs to sound like a tuba, and it needs to be reliable.
I don’t have anything for $2000 bucks, though I would love to sell you a tuba.
Look at “new style“ (shorty) used King model 2341 tubas or the Eastman Chinese knock off.
You might find one with some dents, scratches, and lacquer wear for between $2000 and $3000, if you search diligently and bide your time.
Those instruments are about 37 inches tall, and sound like tubas.
I have some wonderful new stuff in the same size range, but it’s about twice your $2000 stated budget or (if only $2000) too tall...assuming you play in some pits where the stage hangs over the pit.

I find it vexing to empty the 2341 in tight quarters. I envy the guys with the smaller rotary horns (esp with smaller bells) who can drop the horn straight down between their legs to rest when they're not playing, and never have to change the horn's orientation through the performance.

[2ba4t]

Two points.
1. Orchestral pits really absorb mellow, organ-like sounds. A wide flang on the bell might be very detrimental and mean you have to work really hard in exposed passages when people actually want to hear the tuba as a clear voice. This is why some opera house guys still use old fashioned stovepipe belled instruments. Try Der Drachen on a 6/4 vast belled instrument and then on a narrow belled kaiser with a discerning listener at the back of the stalls .. and then my usual blah blah about exponential bells and bi-radial ones.

2. I am selling a very small CC/BBb. It is on gumtree in UK now and will be posted on ebay very soon. If you want a laugh there is a short video of someone making a mess demonstrating it and a big 5/4 BBb [I think. Is that BBb actually a 4/4 or 5/4??]

In my defence, I have not played tuba for a very long time - yes, and you can tell. I am on klezmer2ba@gmail.com" target="_blank


https://vimeo.com/392940978" target="_blank BBb compared in size to CC 'midget'
https://vimeo.com/392935553" target="_blank midget CC with BBb crook

[kingrob76]

Not mentioned yet - a used Cerveny Piggy would work if a CC horn is ok. Small, rotary valves, easy to dump water, and you can probably pick up one used for $2kish.

[iiipopes]

At last year's Tuba Christmas, I was privileged to meet a gentleman who has one of the rare Besson comp F tubas. From hearing him play, I surmise that is a great horn for a pit.

[Bassmeant]

Thank everyone for your thoughts and advice!
I ended up picking up a small CC horn from Tom at Mack Brass. He and Christian were great to deal with.

Now, onto mouthpieces

[Eflatdoubler]

I would seriously suggest a small e flat tuba. If you are playing shows, they work great along with filling quite a few other roles. I use my tuba 95 percent of the time as a double in a pit. I had a BB flat, a piggy CC, other CC tubas, but when I switched to e flat I had an “AHA” moment and would never go back. Everybody is different, just my two cents from someone who does it...