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I have been experiencing consistent pain in both of my shoulders, back and left arm during and after playing my horn. It is a bell front King from 1937 and I find it awkward to get into position on the drum chair that I have been using. Keeping it balanced is not difficult. I am practicing daily for one and a half to two hours. I know that the conventional suggestions will be to see a doctor or practice less, etc. Any thoughts from the Tubenet Jury?

Using a tuba stand cleared up similar problems for me. Baltimore Brass tuba stand is a very good one, cost is $US85 and US Post to where I think you are will be about $40.
Go Riders!

Bob Sadler

Have someone take some pictures of you playing and email them to me. I'll evaluate your posture and see if I can help.

Posture is really really crucial. Even if you're sitting a little bit off from being centered, if you do that for 2-3 hours straight you're going to notice those muscles straining. "Bring the tuba to the player, not the player to the tuba." The goal is not to adjust your body position in order to facilitate playing the instrument.

If you can't do this properly, then you should definitely consider a stand. (it did a number to help my back and shoulders while playing CC tuba)

I'd be curious to see your posture also...

EDIT: Also, not sure how much of a difference it makes since I've never played a bell front tuba, but wouldn't that also through the weight distribution more off center than a bell up tuba?