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Tuning your tuba??
Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 5:36 pm
by bigbob
I'm ashamed to say but in all the years I've played I have never had to tune my tuba and now I want to know how...Is there a utube video or something to start me off?? I had my 3J for 22 years and it only needed tuning once and my teacher helped me do it..What do I need ?some kind of tuner?? I know it sounds silly being so old and never doing it..(the tuning thing) but when you only play in your room..and the 3J never needed ajusted..<s> also how do you oil your rotors I have one do you take it apart?? from the bottom?I've been dropping a little blue juice on top of the rotor the linkage If I take it apart is there a spring or something I would have to worry about ?? what is the best way?New tuba everythings different....BB
Re: Tuning your tuba??
Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 8:57 pm
by The Big Ben
I have a tuner/metronome combination which works pretty good. It is a Korg but I don't have it near so I don't know the model number. It is small and runs on AAA batteries. I have had it for three years and have not needed to replace the batteries.
It has a microphone which hears your sound and a needle which shows how it matches up with a standard (A=440 usually) and you take it from there. The initial tuning is with the main tuning slide. The other tones in the scale may need to be lipped up or down to get them in tune. In some cases, adjusting a valve slide or using a substitute fingering is necessary to get the scale right. The previous owner might be able to give you information and suggestions on how to play octaves in tune. Lots of ear and lip practice, too. Having a few lessons from a tuba teacher might also help you get this new horn under control.