F tubas

[MaryAnn]

hmm. I think I've tootled on a sum total of 8 F tubas.

The first one was an older 4+1 standard name brand I can't think of now; it was quite small. I thought I'd be able to play it but wasn't ready to put out the $2800 or so it would have cost, and someone else bought it. IIRC the low C was difficult but playable, but I might not have noticed at all without a tuba embouchure in place yet.

The second one was an old MW 46; the angle of the leadpipe was such that I had to put it sideways on my lap in order to have my neck still connected to my shoulders in a reasonable fashion. I could not play the low C for anything. Still no tuba embouchure to speak of. This tuba supposedly had been owned and played by somebody in the Philadelphia Phil for many years. (Torchinski? Is that someone's name? yes I know I'm ignorant about tuba players.)

Next...I play tested a YFB 621. It did not work ergonomically, and I found the sound bland. The low C felt pretty much like any other note.

Next....somebody let me toot on his MW SLP. It was ergonomically impossible and required more air than I had at the time.

Next....I bought my MW 182. Formerly owned by Scott Mendoker; it has some intonation issues, especially the C in the staff is really sharp and the low C is the usual problem. I still don't get a really good sound on that low C, but understand it is my fault due to lack of a completely relaxed embouchure. I really like the sound of it, and ergonmically it is perfect.

Later....I got to blow on a brand new R. Meinl F tuba, that did not play appreciably differently from my 182. Somebody else had it on trial.

A couple summers ago I borrowed a 4-valve Amati in Bloomington, IN, to play with horn octets. It had a nice sound and an easier low C than my 182. Other than lacking the 5th valve, I couldn't tell a lot of difference between it and my 182.

I got to play somebody's B&S F tuba, an older Symphonie. It had a lighter sound than my 182 and a somewhat easier low C. And required more air.

So....all these, except for the YFB, did not play all that differently from each other. The worst was the MW 46, I couldn't really tell on the SLP, and the other rotaries were pretty similar.

So I don't know if I've never played on a good F or not!! Bloke, how do I tell? How will a good F come and smack me on the back and say "HEY! I'm GOOD!"

MA, who generally notices intonation variances as playing difficulties since the embouchure plays the pitch it wants to anyway

[Kevin Hendrick]

The second one was an old MW 46 ... This tuba supposedly had been owned and played by somebody in the Philadelphia Phil for many years. (Torchinski? Is that someone's name? yes I know I'm ignorant about tuba players.)

Abe Torchinsky is someone you should probably know something about. Here are a couple of links for starters:

http://www.iteaonline.org/historymateri ... torchinsky'

http://www.encoremupub.com/abe.htm

Hope this helps!

[ai698]

an old MW 46

I have one of those old MW 46's and I love it for the sound when I need something that projects. I use it in quintet at times (Renaissance and Baroque stuff) but use my small Weril CC more now. I found if I don't play it often (which is quite often unfortunately) I forget how to play it. I always think about upgrading it, but then I play it and always decide to keep it.