Best Jazz Tuba

Onebaplayer · Post by **Onebaplayer** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:29 am

The firebird is a six valve rotor. I think this would prove a bit cumbersome for jazz. Seems to me that most jazz guys (and most of the other tubas discussed in this topic) prefer piston horns for their flexibility. If you want a sound similar to the firebird (a big F tuba) you should check out the Gronitz PF 125

circusboy · Post by **circusboy** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:25 pm

Onebaplayer wrote:Seems to me that most jazz guys (and most of the other tubas discussed in this topic) prefer piston horns for their flexibility.

You really think that pistons are that much more nimble than rotors? Flexible in some other way as well?

I thought rotors were favored by, e.g., some baroque players. But then my thinking could be wrong . . . .

Tom Holtz · Post by **Tom Holtz** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:58 pm

Rick Denney wrote:But the 621 BBb isn't as good a use of that size as is the F. Frank described it pretty well when he said there is a ceiling beyond which you cannot go, and beyond that you have to use a shallow mouthpiece and go trombone-like.

Exactly. The 621 chassis makes a great F tuba, but it's so limited when you build a CC or BBb on it, I can't imagine anyone using one outside of grade school. Of course, Chuck Dallenbach made his 621 CC sing and dance and blow our minds with the Canadian Brass, but that's because he's the man and we all suck. I love the agility and clarity on the 621 F, and it's much fun in a big band, both out front, and with the bone section.

Since Frank is using an Eb for his brass band stuff, he just borrows the Besson when he's off to a jam session on the cruise ship. He's knows my horn well, he sold it to me!