What is to blame for problem notes?

[NDSPTuba]

Seems to me that the potential problem note we are discussing is 1,3 or 4 on all the different keyed tubas. I always use 4, but either way we are adding allot of tubing to the bugle. How that tubing is integrated into the bugle is what will determine how easily the note plays. Be it graduated bore, tapered bore, consistent bore or even how the circuitry is laid out will have an effect on how easily the note speaks. It is always the first note I try on any tuba I pickup, because that is a no go for me.

You'd think the larger bored 4th valve circuitry would make it blow easier, but that isn't necessarily true. I've played tubas is keep the same bore through the 4th valve and play that note great and I've played tubas that had larger bore 4th that didn't speak well at all and vise versa.

[normrowe]

I suspect all the gleefully facetious remarks stem from the fact that all tubas have some anomaly or another that the player must adapt to, and there's no explanation for it, and nothing that can be done about it, really.

Most all instruments have something odd at some point(s) in their range. Back in the mid-60's I had a fellow trying to sell me a tuba that had been purchased by a university and later sold off. He was asking for $100. Sounded good to me, so I went to his house to check it out. Half the notes would not even play!!! And the half that did play were so out of tune with themselves that the thing was totally useless as a musical instrument. I didn't need a lamp or mailbox stand at the time, so I passed on it.

[imperialbari]

Without joking, it is literally a problem with carbon emissions.

Solution: Tubas out of Gore-Tex!

K

[Tubajug]

My little brother tossed a toy rhinoceros into my baritone when I was practicing in 6th grade. That certainly made for a few problem notes.

[swillafew]

As far as I know, when a good manufacturer makes the parts of their horns, they won't use a part that isn't up to specifications. The finest parts go in the most expensive models. The scrap heap is for student horns. Slipping poor parts into the production would degrade the horn (or so I was told).

Aside from that, I have never experienced the 4th valve issues, and can't recall the complaints from classmates or teachers either. Some trombonists won't use an F attachment for the effect on the horn, I guess it's essentially the same beef.