TubeNet

Big A$$ Tuba

I know that since joining this discussion group I have heard to question raised numerous times(what is a BAT?). Although this may be a bit tiresome for those of us who have been on TubeNet a while, I believe it is important to remember that not everyone who posts here has this much information and understanding of the slang. I know when I first saw BAT I wondered what the heck it was, too.

I'm willing to cut these people some slack. And remember they don't always know how to navigate to find the answers.

Maybe a FAQ section would be in order. By the way, if you are a newby, and don't know this one, don't try to pronounce it. You might get bleeped.

I'd definitely say 'term of endearment'; but term for what?

There are two schools of thought: one says that it refers specifically to the CSO Yorks and their various copies, or perhaps to those instruments and other 'Grand Orchestral' tubas, all of which have upright bells and front-mounted pistons. The other says that it is just a term to stress the bigness of any large tuba, whether piston or rotary, recording or upright bell -- just any big-a## tuba. Some would even apply it to Jumbo sousaphones or the larger GG contras.

But I think everyone would agree that 6/4 or larger would be required for it to be a BAT. 5/4's are just large, not BATs.

And yes, it's ALL fuzzy. Language is a messy business.
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Joe Baker, who prefers the broader understanding, but finds the context usually makes the meaning clear.

cyras21 wrote:Besides being a flying rodent and a stick to beat your kids with, joking, what is a BAT?

Breath-Asphyxiating Toy

The horn in the picture I believe is a Rudy Meinl

Oh no not again

Big A$$ Tractor


Bill Pritchard