TubeNet

Hello!

I have another batch of questions for all of you seasoned pros out there!

I have a St. Petersburg BBb 202N with a Giddings and Webster Bayamo mouthpiece. Anything above the F in the staff is not stable at all. I thought it was because of my buzzing, but I am convinced that it isn't. I say that because I can pick up a friends Yamaha Ybb641 BBb, and I become rock solid up there. Is this just the horn or is it my mouthpiece?

Second Question! Now that y'all know what horn I currently play can anyone give me feed back on Meinl and Weston? I am looking to starting what seems to be a small mortgage for a CC, and don't want to waist my money. Also, I want to play on one before I purchase it but there aren't any dealers in my state that has them. I contacted some of the big companies asking if they had a trial period, but they all quickly said "no".

Best Regards,

Nick Phillips.

Go to San Antonio for the Texas Bandmasters Association convention in July. If this year's display is anything like the times I've been there, you will be able to try a tremendous range of new tubas and make an educated choice. You might be able to get a good deal on a display model as well.

tubagod94 wrote:

1. I have a St. Petersburg BBb 202N with a Giddings and Webster Bayamo mouthpiece. Anything above the F in the staff is not stable at all. I thought it was because of my buzzing, but I am convinced that it isn't. I say that because I can pick up a friends Yamaha Ybb641 BBb, and I become rock solid up there. Is this just the horn or is it my mouthpiece?

2. Second Question! Now that y'all know what horn I currently play can anyone give me feed back on Meinl and Weston? I am looking to starting what seems to be a small mortgage for a CC, and don't want to waist my money. Also, I want to play on one before I purchase it but there aren't any dealers in my state that has them. I contacted some of the big companies asking if they had a trial period, but they all quickly said "no".

1. In my experience, different horns produce different results in terms of range. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to play test two Rath bass trombones side by side. On one of them, a goldbrass with heavy bottom valve caps, the low range was really impressive but anything above the high Bb was kind of weak. On the other one the high range ,up to the Eb, just came out effortlessly. It as a redbrass bell, I believe. What I have learned from trying instruments back to back is that each horn is different and there almost always seems to be some kind of trade off, nicer tone or easier high range, better intonation or more ergonomics.... the list just goes on forever.

So, with that in mind, it seems as though it is your job to work through the problems you are having with high range. Maybe a new horn will make it easier, maybe a new mouthpiece will make it easier, but ultimately, something else will be trickier... If I were you, I would work on chromatic scales (In half notes) going into the high range, for at least 5 minutes a day. Obviously, don't strain or put too much pressure.

2. The meinl weston tubas tubas are top of the line horns. Many pro players use them and many players speak highly of them. The price tag associated with them is really high as you have pointed out. If I were you, I would look into used ones. While I don't know much about your location, I am sure there are plenty of players who own these horns. I am certain that if you offered some money for their time, some would let you play test their horns. It might also be worthwhile to check out the next Tuba conferences and such...

Last point, If you haven't taken any lessons, you should save up some money and do so. So much can be learned from a one on one lesson. While there is great info here, it doesn't compare to live feedback.

You might want to have that St. Pete checked for things like valve alignment and leaks. I've owned about a dozen of those horns and all have had good playing characteristics.

Ifd nothing else St. Pete’s are fine for a little night serenading:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g8LmArqKHM