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I have owned a 4/4 Nirschl for about six months. But more recently I have been having some trouble getting comfortable holding the horn due to the leadpipe position. I have been getting some pains in my left shoulder and upper back. It has been getting to the point where I am considering selling the horn or trading it. I would rather not though because I love the big rich sound the horn makes and also how easy the horn is to play.


Anyone had this same experience and know a solution?

tuben wrote:Buy a stand.

RC

I'll second that. Or have the lead pipe relocated up or down to a more suitable postion. Whatever it takes to keep a great playing horn in a comfortable playing position.

I'll look into a stand. It's not a matter of height, the Leadpipe does not come around the horn all the way. I then have to hold the horn at a uncomfortable angle. I dont think that I could extend the leadpipe, maybe I'll talk to Lee Stofer about that one.

Get some non-slip drawer liner from Wal-Mart, cut a large rectangle and drape it over your left leg when you play. This will essentially hold the instrument in place and relieve your left arm of most of the task of holding the horn. It will still be used but to a much lesser extent.

The drawer liner comes in colors, black is good for concerts.

This horn was patterened after the old York 4/4 CC's. Yorks were intended to be held with a large lean to the left and tilted back. There must have been a reason for it. Nirschl's horns are a bit easier to handle.

No sense griping about the leadpipe placement, he won't change it.

Instead of blaming the instrument, why don't you go in and have the Doctor check out your neck and upper spine. Worked for me.

Daniel C. Oberloh

Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
Saving the world, one horn at a time...

I own a 6/4 Nirschl and have owned the 4/4 too. I understand your pain with the pipe position. However, the recommended stand option is a great one. I use a stand(BBC) on a daily basis. The "non slip" drawer lining works too but will tend to put your body in an odd position and after long periods of play can start to ache a bit.
Good luck and I hope you don't have to sell over this issue alone.

Pete

Hmmm...sounds tricky. Better just sell the tuba. BTW, I'm in the market for a 4/4 Nirschl

Jarrad-Bittner wrote:I have owned a 4/4 Nirschl for about six months. But more recently I have been having some trouble getting comfortable holding the horn due to the leadpipe position. I have been getting some pains in my left shoulder and upper back. It has been getting to the point where I am considering selling the horn or trading it. I would rather not though because I love the big rich sound the horn makes and also how easy the horn is to play.


Anyone had this same experience and know a solution?

If the horn has a regular-shank receiver on it, and you generally play with your main slide out a dab, you might try plugging in a single Conn sousa bit. It might be just enough to bring the mouthpiece around to a more comfortable angle. Also, I concur with some of the other comments... drawer liner works to keep the horn on your lap, but after struggling with moving the leadpipes on some of the horns I play regularly... I resolved most of the 'handling issues' by purchasing a tuba rest.

Thanks guys,

I am going to buy a tuba stand and try that out after my horn gets taken in for a few repairs on the valves done at custom.

I own and play a 4/4 Nirschl. The stand idea worked for me as well as the foam rubber shelf liner. Both work great.