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Hi everyone

My name is Greg Davis, and I am a freshman music major at Pfeiffer University with a principal of tuba.

I am a very serious musician who hopes to have a professional performance career.

I am wondering what many of you would recommend for me to buy as my first CC tuba? I am finally making the switch from BBb to CC, and I couldn't be any happier.

However, I need some information. First, I want a tuba that is going to last me many, many years. A top quality instrument that sounds incredible (that IS the most important thing), has a great sound in all registers, and will last me through college and my professional career is what I'm looking for. (I realize I'll probably get another horn in ten years, in addition to an F tuba)

I'm selling my F-Schmidt BBb horn. I was tricked into buying this horn in my sophomore year of high school. I figure I'll get $2000 at most for it, although I bought it for $8000 (I know, pretty ridiculous for that horn).

What would you recommend as far as horns go, and how should I go about financing the new horn, and play testing horns? (I'm going up to Baltimore Brass in October to play some horns) I'm a college student, so money isn't something I have tons of, but luckily I have people who will help me out with an instrument.

I'm thinking something like a 5/4. I've been looking at Willson, Meinl-Weston, B&S (which I have been told are fantastic horns), Hirsbrunner, and Mirafone...however I'm open to any horn that plays well and that I can be successful with.

Also, I'm practicing about 4 hours a day (the most my college schedule can allow)...does anyone have any tips on spacing out a practice schedule and how to make the most out of practice time?

Thanks for any help you guys can give

Much appreciated,
Greg Davis

GJDavis1 wrote:Hi everyone

My name is Greg Davis, and I am a freshman music major at Pfeiffer University with a principal of tuba.

I am a very serious musician who hopes to have a professional performance career.

I am wondering what many of you would recommend for me to buy as my first CC tuba? I am finally making the switch from BBb to CC, and I couldn't be any happier.

However, I need some information. First, I want a tuba that is going to last me many, many years. A top quality instrument that sounds incredible (that IS the most important thing), has a great sound in all registers, and will last me through college and my professional career is what I'm looking for. (I realize I'll probably get another horn in ten years, in addition to an F tuba)

I'm selling my F-Schmidt BBb horn. I was tricked into buying this horn in my sophomore year of high school. I figure I'll get $2000 at most for it, although I bought it for $8000 (I know, pretty ridiculous for that horn).

What would you recommend as far as horns go, and how should I go about financing the new horn, and play testing horns? (I'm going up to Baltimore Brass in October to play some horns) I'm a college student, so money isn't something I have tons of, but luckily I have people who will help me out with an instrument.

I'm thinking something like a 5/4. I've been looking at Willson, Meinl-Weston, B&S (which I have been told are fantastic horns), Hirsbrunner, and Mirafone...however I'm open to any horn that plays well and that I can be successful with.

Also, I'm practicing about 4 hours a day (the most my college schedule can allow)...does anyone have any tips on spacing out a practice schedule and how to make the most out of practice time?

Thanks for any help you guys can give

Much appreciated,
Greg Davis

Greg,

You are paying to go to college. You should get your money's worth and ask your instructor. I'm sure your instructor, Brent Harvey, knows a thing or two about tubas.

http://www.pfeiffer.edu/index.php?optio ... Itemid=261

I'm simply doing some research first so that I can have a general idea of what I want and that Dr. Harvey and I can make a decision.

GJDavis1 wrote:I'm simply doing some research first so that I can have a general idea of what I want and that Dr. Harvey and I can make a decision.

Okay!

Miraphone 188

That is THE horn that I want. Truth be told, I REALLY want a Thor, but that is going to take some time!

I would gladly take a 188 any day of the week. There are sooo many horns to choose from it could/would overwhelm someone to just start firing off a bunch of different horns. You will just have to go out and play, check the archives, look at the major websites for tubas, etc. I wish you good luck in finding the horn best suited for you!

R

Don't let Brent talk you into buying another BBb!

One thing you can try to do is practice earlier in the morning. Get up early enough to put in an hour of warm-up/fundamentals routine before your first class and you will be off to a good start for the day. I don't know how long your practice facilities are open, but take advantage of practicing late, too. Find out how long you can practice in "high-gear" without wearing down your chops or becoming inefficient. I find that I am most successful with 45-90 minute sessions. Also, set specific goals for each session.

For example, I am going to work on these things next:
-Intonation on the sustained Bs in The Ride
-Compare low register articulation between current mpc and trial one on The Ride and Fountains
-Dynamic fluidity in Prok 5
-Phrasing in Fountains
etc....

Good luck with your horn search. There are several great 5/4 horns being produced- just find the one that fits you best. Don't be afraid to try out some 4/4 models, too. The PT-606P is classified as 4/4, but it is quite large. You might want to check out the Neptune at Tuba Exchange. It is a great playing horn and a very good deal.

Just a thought, no one has to buy a new horn, and in your situation you might get a lot more horn buying used....and save some money.

The other thing I might think about is seeing if anyone you know has a CC horn you could use for awhile while you search for yours, or if they are selling one, would they be willing to take a good chunk down and let you make payments for awhile. I lucked out this way and was able to buy a much better horn than I could have afforded at the moment when I found it waiting for me....

Good luck,
Rob "who is very thankful to a friend for the continued loan of a C horn for my practicing, even if it being out of the house makes his wife(and not mine) happier"

Greg,

If I were you, I'd make sure I talk to my teacher before deciding on any horn. At the same time, you should probably consider some other factors.
Until you buy an F, I'm assuming you'll be a "one horn" kinda guy. You want to make sure the horn you get will work for as much of your playing as possible. This might be a 5/4 CC, but more than likely it won't. I would look at a large 4/4, something along the lines of a 188. You'll be able to use a larger 4/4 in band, orchestra, brass quintet, solos, etc. If you get the Thor or a Yamayork, it won't be appreciated quite as much in a brass quintet or other chamber music settings. In addition, the sound will probably be a little bit too broad.
Second of all, I recommend that you play as many horns as possible before deciding. What works for one person may not work for you . . . to paraphrase a well-respected frequent poster, you have to like what the horn does, but the horn has to like what you do to it. In other words, you have a sound and response in mind, and your playing style has to work with that horn to achieve the desired results.
Third, if you're like the vast majority of college tuba students, if you keep playing through college and decide to keep playing after college, the horn you buy now may be the one you're going to spend hours with in community bands, small orchestras, quintets, brass ensembles, etc. Pick one that works for all these jobs as well as possible.
Happy hunting!

Greg,

When I was going into college as a freshman music major, I was in your same situation. I was playing on a St. Pete BB-flat and I was ready to make the switch to a CC. I know you are ready to get a new horn now (lord knows I sure was), speaking from experience, the best thing I did was wait and learn as much as I could about what kind of sound I wanted. The music you play in college is going to be different from what you played in high school (obviously), and it will really help to open your ears to your own sound...at least it did for me.

My advice to you is to take this year and do lots of research on tubas...and I am sure you are going to receive tons of help from Dr. Harvey. Compare specs with different models so you can narrow down your choices. You named some really great tuba brands...and I would have to agree with the others and say that probably the best 5/4 CCs that would be in your price range would be a PT-6 or a MW Thor. Both are really great tubas. If you are feeling brave and don't mind entertaining the idea of a 6/4...I would say go for a B&S-"Neptune." Like Mike said, they even have one used at the tuba exchange for a really great price. These horns put out massive sound like most 6/4 tubas, but have the quick response of a 4/4. Just thought I would throw it out there!

Good luck and have fun!

Kerry

tubashaman wrote:Heres a great horn for less than $4000 that I am sure your teacher will agree with, and that you will like playing
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=24764&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

I don't agree with James often, but this is definitely one of those times
Also, check out:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=29373&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
which looks like it is just about sold, but was still just bumped.
Either is a do-almost-everything horn. The 188 might be a hair easier to play, but I personally love the sound of those older Bell model MW's just a little bit more. Plus, it breaks in two so you can put one half in each pocket of your pants!