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Okay tuba players, I am having an embarrassing problem. Whenever I’m playing or practicing
I keep having to wipe out my mouthpiece because of a built up of moisture. Probably every 10 minutes.
What am I doing wrong?

Not a thing.

It means you have proper breath support. I have to empty frequently as well. Carry on!

Easy Mac wrote: ↑Sun Nov 14, 2021 6:40 pm Not a thing.

TubaofGilman wrote: ↑Sun Nov 14, 2021 4:11 pm Okay tuba players, I am having an embarrassing problem. Whenever I’m playing or practicing
I keep having to wipe out my mouthpiece because of a built up of moisture. Probably every 10 minutes.
What am I doing wrong?

Might not be anything wrong. Keep a rag handy...too much or too little can affect articulation...also try tilting your horn forward in your lap, drains towards the leadpipe.

It can be annoying when you snatch a quick breath, imbibe the mixer causing a chocking fit.

Thank you.

Tubas rule. And some of us also drule. It's why I always have a handkerchief or towel with me.

It means that your mouthpiece receiver is nearly horizontal. I prefer to blow downhill, as most other brass players do. That way most of the water goes down to my water key. Most tuba manufacturers seem to believe that we don't like that, and insist on a nearly-horizontal mouthpiece orientation.

I think some of it is condensation and some is saliva.

The reason I think that is the scale that builds up. It seems to me condensation would not contain any calcium or magnesium and not scale, but obviously scale happens, so it must come from us.

I don't know how you would tell the percentage of condensation vs saliva. I suspect the low range of tuba contributes to a larger aperture and more saliva entering than something like trumpet or French horn.

Art Hovey wrote: ↑Fri Nov 19, 2021 9:56 am It means that your mouthpiece receiver is nearly horizontal. I prefer to blow downhill, as most other brass players do. That way most of the water goes down to my water key. Most tuba manufacturers seem to believe that we don't like that, and insist on a nearly-horizontal mouthpiece orientation.

If you have a bowl shaped cup then the orientation of the lead pipe is not so relevant as water runs down hill, both ways.

Not so much when you are blowing. Another advantage of a downhill receiver becomes apparent when you play on risers. Seeing the conductor becomes difficult if your leadpipe is in the way.

Art Hovey wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:12 am Not so much when you are blowing. Another advantage of a downhill receiver becomes apparent when you play on risers. Seeing the conductor becomes difficult if your leadpipe is in the way.

I thought the air steam was concentrated in the centre of the MP?
Who ever looks at the conductor??