TubeNet

I keep seeing tubas with a black (cloth?) wrap that seems to protect the finish where the right forearm rests on the bell. Anyone have a source for these things? Or any other information or recommendations related to them?

Most guys have their mom/wife/girlfriend make them one out of soft cloth. Most recommend against leather because of tannins leaching out and onto the finish of the horn. Laces or velcro seem to be the attachment of choice.

To me, unless it's down to raw brass and you have an allergy, why bother? What are you saving the lacquer underneath for, anyway? "Later"?

What are you saving the lacquer underneath for, anyway? "Later"?

I agree with you in principle, Bort. I put one on my horn for resale value purposes. Though, unless the thing was taken off the horn during a play trial, lacquer or silver wear wouldn't be seen anyway.

Mojo workin' wrote:

What are you saving the lacquer underneath for, anyway? "Later"?

I agree with you in principle, Bort. I put one on my horn for resale value purposes. Though, unless the thing was taken off the horn during a play trial, lacquer or silver wear wouldn't be seen anyway.

Right, I could see that too. I guess I just like the look and see more appeal in a well-worn tuba.

Mojo workin' wrote:

What are you saving the lacquer underneath for, anyway? "Later"?

I agree with you in principle, Bort. I put one on my horn for resale value purposes. Though, unless the thing was taken off the horn during a play trial, lacquer or silver wear wouldn't be seen anyway.

I think protecting the finish of your instrument is a good thing, particularly if it's brand new and you want to keep it looking that way, for whatever reason. In regards to re-sale, certainly a tuba without that big worn-out splotch looks nicer and might command a few more bucks? (Admittedly, the newest tuba I have - the only one still with lacquer - does have a bit of wear there.) As for a play trial, I'd want to look under ANY coverings on the horn to be sure of what was underneath. Is the seller protecting the finish, or are they hiding something?

Good thoughts. Thanks!

It seems to me that a flimsy cloth sleeve would eventually get tattered and worn. Any ideas on something I might use to protect it?

sloan wrote:It seems to me that a flimsy cloth sleeve would eventually get tattered and worn. Any ideas on something I might use to protect it?

You know, you're right. Maybe a gig bag? That would eventually wear out too. Your best bet might be something like this:



Of course, for play trial, the potential buyer might want to remove it.

Mike Finn wrote:

sloan wrote:It seems to me that a flimsy cloth sleeve would eventually get tattered and worn. Any ideas on something I might use to protect it?

You know, you're right. Maybe a gig bag? That would eventually wear out too. Your best bet might be something like this:

...

Of course, for play trial, the potential buyer might want to remove it.

No, no, no ... that was the mock-up. Here's the production version:

I "borrowed" a cloth napkin from TGIFridays, and it works great

A student I went to school with at YSU makes them out of leather and can fit any tuba you have cause he gets measurements and handmakes them. I had my mommy make me one, but I definitely like his much, much more. You should consider it!

http://www.olenikmusic.com/Olenik_Music ... uards.html" target="_blank