Question: Downsizing tuba? - Bone fracture and weight of tuba

[Yoshi]

Hi,

I suffered proximal humerus fracture in my left shoulder four months ago. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a surgery, recovered (according to my doctor), and am almost finished with rehabilitarion with orthopedic.

I was wondering if any one - who plays tuba - has gone through this experience (or seen someone you know go through it before).

I can live somewhat like before, and do not face significant trouble in my dairy lives.

As for tuba playing, I can now lift my F tuba without any problem and play, but still felt small pain (in my muscle?) in left shoulder just yesterday, when I tried to pull stiff slides with left hand while playing.

I actually tried to lift my German kaiser tuba (Bb tuba) a month ago, since I wanted to oil rotaries and lubricate slides, but that was really hard - due to its weight. I struggled to lift it up to a stand which never happened before...I have not tried to lift it since then. Just wondered if I will be able to pick it up, and play it like before.

Or, do I have to start thinking about downsizing my Bb tuba?

I am in 40s, so have not thought about downsizing quite yet before.

Thank you in advance for any info!

[bisontuba]

How heavy is the Kaiser?

[Yoshi]

I was lucky and got a really good deal on previous owned Rudy 4/4. It's heavy, I need to use stand. I do not know how heavy exactly in number, but it is much bigger than other brand's 4/4 size tuba.

[barry grrr-ero]

Two suggestions that might help until you find something lighter. First - and this may seem obvious - make sure you're squared to your tuba before lifting it. Don't try to lift it from your side. Second, use a playing stand with that Kaiser. Wessex just got their proprietary SDT-30 stand back in stock. I just received one to use on my very heavy B&S "Neptune". Their stand stand doesn't slip downward like the K&M ones seem to do. It has a screw jack system to it, like the better DW drum set thrones have.

[Yoshi]

Thank you for those advises! Yes, I use a stand.

I am looking into something lighter, but I also like the sound of my current one.

I may have to eventually downsize, but I am wondering whether that timing is now, or this is just temporary phase which I can overcome with time.