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Has anyone ever seen or used one of these? Thoughts?

I'm thinking about getting one, just for the sheer fact that I think it would be really useful in making me lighten up on the horn (as well as my friends and students). I just wanted some feedback on others that have used one.

I do spend a great deal of time trying to lay off the mouthpiece, use less pressure, and not force. I'm not looking for a quick solution to something that takes time and concentration, just something to supplement my efforts.

Take your left hand(assuming that you have a tuba with front facing valves) and place it on the backside of the bell in a way that you could push the horn off your face. Be gentle, and don't drop your tuba.

Philip J Fry wrote:Take your left hand(assuming that you have a tuba with front facing valves) and place it on the backside of the bell in a way that you could push the horn off your face. Be gentle, and don't drop your tuba.

Huh?

I'm talking specifically about The Brass Pressure Reducer or BPD, it is a diversion valve that lays in between the mouthpiece and the horn.

I purchased one of these several months ago and found that it was worth the investment. I've used it primarily in teaching and the results have been interesting. There are those who cannot play without a significant amount of pressure and those who play with very, very little. Those who play with less pressure TEND to have a "freer" sound, more flexibility, etc. As in all things, everyones' mileage will vary.

The item does what it's purported to do. It is fully adjustable and well made-I've even bought an extra one to loan out to students.

Back in the early 60's a friend of mine got fitted with a pressure reducer. We just called 'em braces back then. Boy did they work though. If you survived the experience you found you had learned to play with a minimum of pressure. It did wonders for his sound by his senior year in HS.

Okay, does somebody have a link? Google is failing me in finding this item. The only thing I can find deals with water pressure. Thanks.

(pretty sure this is not it)

Rick F wrote:Okay, does somebody have a link? Google is failing me in finding this item. The only thing I can find deals with water pressure. Thanks.

(pretty sure this is not it)

I can't find much either... I'm going on recommendations by people I know.

http://yorkvillebigband.com/rick_falato ... nd_065.htm" target="_blank

Steve McGovern wrote:Like this? (I don't see a tuba one.)

http://store.osmun.com/browse.cfm/press ... ,1754.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

The same. The tuba one is available on the website I listed above.

Bruno Tilz makes one:

http://212.227.216.87/mundstueckbau-til ... _2000.html

Wim

or you can just hold your horn in a place where you can not pull it to your face and play like that for 21 days. No need for gimmicks