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[Note - I have checked the archives on this, but I'm looking for new / fresh perspectives.]

I’ve been playing a MW 2000 for about 3 years now (has it really been that long?). I love the horn, but have never seemed to get used to the ergonomics. The right hand is not a problem, it’s the left. I can’t seem to free my left hand up enough to manipulate slides. Putting my hand under the top bow makes me feel like it’s going to tip over all of the time unless I put a kung-fu grip on it. Putting my hand over the top bow helps, but then my upper body feels strained and I fell like I can’t get a good breath. I’ve tried using a stand and that helps a little, but since my K&M broke after 2 months, I’ve been trying to figure out a different way. When I put the horn on the chair it’s too low so I have to put it on my lap. I’m 6’ tall, so it’s not like the horn towers over me, I just can’t get comfortable behind it.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you fix it? I realize that everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, but I’m just looking for some help from people who have had / do have this problem.

Thanks.

d(who’s thinking being of ‘average height and weight’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be) temp

You might try one of the ring extensions added to the slide end bow, so that you don't have to get your hand so far over the top bow. I favor such solutions because you don't always have a stand with you when you want to play, and if you use an embrochure pivot at all, you aren't adjusting your head to the tuba instead of the other way 'round.

Don't pull slides.

windshieldbug wrote:You might try one of the ring extensions added to the slide end bow, so that you don't have to get your hand so far over the top bow. I favor such solutions because you don't always have a stand with you when you want to play, and if you use an embrochure pivot at all, you aren't adjusting your head to the tuba instead of the other way 'round.

What are these and where do you get them?

Ironic; I've been thinking about buying one of these because of the ergonomics--specifically the left hand. If you think a 2000 is rough try a PT-3 or PT-6 (my opinion).

Chris Olka used to have one of these and when I played it I thought it was laid out perfectly. Have you always disliked the left hand on the 2000?

dtemp wrote:What are these and where do you get them?

Rods or circles (that look like thumb rings) on rods that are extensions soldered to the valve slide bows to give you a good grip for pull/pushing. Alex owners are probably fairly familiar with them... You need a tech or a repairer/builder to work with you on exact placement.

A coupla mentions:

viewtopic.php?p=16042#16042
viewtopic.php?p=118051#118051

RyanSchultz wrote: If you think a 2000 is rough try a PT-3 or PT-6 (my opinion).

Facetious?

RyanSchultz wrote:Chris Olka used to have one of these and when I played it I thought it was laid out perfectly. Have you always disliked the left hand on the 2000?

It's always been sort of a problem. Not too long ago I discovered (was told) that I have a tendency to play with a lot of tension. While trying to remedy this I found out that a lot of that stems from my discomfort behind the horn.

WoodSheddin wrote:Don't pull slides.

Tell that to my 3rd line D.

try a piece of that shelf liner stuff. you can buy it for under 5 bucks at home depot, they come in a variety of colors and you'll have enough to last you for years. just put a piece in your lap and let the horn grip onto it. that frees up your hands to pull slides if you need to. also takes some of the stress out of playing. helped me! cheers!

-casey

dtemp wrote:

WoodSheddin wrote:Don't pull slides.

Tell that to my 3rd line D.

Just blow the note in tune.

WoodSheddin wrote:

dtemp wrote:

WoodSheddin wrote:Don't pull slides.

Tell that to my 3rd line D.

Just blow the note in tune.

Touche.

dtemp wrote:

WoodSheddin wrote:

dtemp wrote: Tell that to my 3rd line D.

Just blow the note in tune.

Touche.

So am I a Mac and you are a PC?

Only if you speak Japanese.

WoodSheddin wrote:

dtemp wrote:

WoodSheddin wrote: Just blow the note in tune.

Touche.

So am I a Mac and you are a PC?

I would never admit to being a PC.

Do you have to be PC to be a PC?

dtemp wrote:[Note - I have checked the archives on this, but I'm looking for new / fresh perspectives.]

I’ve been playing a MW 2000 for about 3 years now (has it really been that long?). I love the horn, but have never seemed to get used to the ergonomics. The right hand is not a problem, it’s the left. I can’t seem to free my left hand up enough to manipulate slides. Putting my hand under the top bow makes me feel like it’s going to tip over all of the time unless I put a kung-fu grip on it. Putting my hand over the top bow helps, but then my upper body feels strained and I fell like I can’t get a good breath. I’ve tried using a stand and that helps a little, but since my K&M broke after 2 months, I’ve been trying to figure out a different way. When I put the horn on the chair it’s too low so I have to put it on my lap. I’m 6’ tall, so it’s not like the horn towers over me, I just can’t get comfortable behind it.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you fix it? I realize that everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, but I’m just looking for some help from people who have had / do have this problem.

Thanks.

d(who’s thinking being of ‘average height and weight’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be) temp

We can solve this problem by selling me your tuba for $8,000

Doc wrote: You have a $12K+ horn - don't screw around with a piece of **** stand, ya cheap *** . GET A GOOD ONE.

How can I argue with that? BBC rest = mine.

Doc wrote: Having trouble reaching the slides or the setup isn't comfortable? Go to a brass repairman, and let him make some pull rods or rings.

I see what you mean here. It's not I have problem reaching the slides, it's that I've been trying to keep the horn in place with the same hand that I've been trying to pull slides with. I'll surely invest in a new stand, I can see that helping a lot.

Thanks everyone.

For me the best tuba stand is a low tech drum throne by Tama, Stage Star. It's fully adjustable with a drum key like screw, not pre-drilled pin locations.The platform is just a padded seat, so you don't have to fit the bottom bow into a groove, and it is light weight, cost me circa $35.I've tried the other tuba stands and this one is totally non -confining and if tension and stress is an issue, this setup allows maximum freedom.DMills

Doc wrote:Lap playing and tension go together like biscuits and gravy, like beer and wings, like stink on ****.

http://tinyurl.com/g8gar
Nope. Buy a role of this stuff and wrap it around the bottom of the horn where it contacts your left thigh. The stuff is STICKY. The horn will not EVER slide off your leg again and the stuff is also very durable. I use it on both horns and no longer have to hold the horn up. It sticks to my leg and stays where I lay it. Tension gone and no need to haul around a stand and constantly readjusting the height for different chairs.

The only real downside it that it only comes in blue.

I think it depends where you place your horn. Whether it is inbetween your legs or on a leg or even on the chair varies the forces from the tuba being applied to your body.