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Have any of you who play a 129X tuba, of either key, experimented in playing it without the thumb ring? I've found that it feels more natural for me to play without it. Perhaps, if it was more adjustable in angle and direction (like the 5XJ tubas), I would find a position that was comfortable to me.

Then, for any of you who do play this tuba without the thumb ring, have you tried removing the tubing that is there to merely hold the thumb ring? There are 3 braces holding this tubing to the tuba. I'm wondering what benefits or tone changes might occur without that tubing soldered to the tuba.

Thanks!

I never used the thumb ring. I never thought about removing the bar, in part because I knew I'd have to have it reinstalled if I ever sold the tuba.

I removed the thumb ring within about 1 day. I tried using it and it felt very unnatural, so it's tucked away in a drawer with the extra lead pipe.

I did consider removing the rail the thumb ring sits on, like Bort said, I decided not to just in case I sell it down the road. It would be interesting to know if there are any sonic differences without it.

When playing a 56J and 187, I removed it from both. I did the same on the 1281 (F) I'm playing now. I don't mind the bar on that one.

That 'dummy tube' to hold the thumb ring only appears on the CC models. I have a BBb 1291 5V and I use the thumb ring to position my thumb for the fifth valve. I think it is probably necessary for that.

Thanks for all of the replies. I did think about the resale value with the thumb ring tube removed. That alone might make it not worth trying.

Personally, I don't see a need for a thumb ring. If you keep your right hand in a good playing position and if you're not relying on using the ring to help hold or balance the tuba, by keeping your thumb on the 5th valve trigger, it should be a natural hand position. Most trumpet players don't use their thumb ring, unless they decide to use the right hand to hold the instrument, ie. page turns, etc. To each his own.

On my 1291, the thumb ring unscrews, so you can just pop it back on if you sell it.