Euphers and EEb comp tubas??

[eupho]

How many euphonium specialists prefer the ergonomics of a compensating 3v eeb tuba? Also the ease of reading bass staff like it is a treble staff?

[hup_d_dup]

Odd question. I don't think many people will play an Eb tuba on a euphonium part because they prefer the ergonomics.

Maybe there is a point to your question that I don't understand. Please explain.

Hup

[Will Jones]

I think he's asking whether a euphonium player doubling on tuba prefers an Eb compensating horn with 3+1 because it feels like a euphonium, and whether euphonium-doublers prefer Eb tuba because the fingerings line up if you read a concert pitch tuba part as if reading in treble cleff Bb (or tenor cleff for that matter)

I'm interested in what people have to say, b/c I'm considering doing some doubling too!

[eupho]

Yes, Will, that is my question exactly. f you are a euphonium speciailist do you prefer to double on EEb tuba for ergonomic reasons?

[ufonium2]

For ergonomics, no. I'm a euphonium specialist and I much prefer the ergonomics of a front-action tuba (and probably euph, although I've never played one). That being said, I love my EEb compensator because it feels like a giant euphonium in other, less quantifiable, ways. I think the resistance is more like a euphonium, probably because of the wrap. And treble clef fingerlings being my "native language," I do like to think of EEb tuba music that way.

[Will Jones]

Nothing is better than chilling at a gig.

[LowBrassNYC]

I was a euphonium specialist and greatly preferred a front-action horn in F. It's more comfortable.

[Tschulze]

I have been a Euph player for the majority of my music career. Within the last few years I have become heavily involved in the music programs at my local Salvation Army and play whatever horn they need me on. The Salvation Army uses brass bands as their main instrumental ensemble. Brass bands have treble clef (trumpet clef)music for everyone but the bass trombone so anyone in the ensemble can play any horn. I played the horn for almost a year before I read any bass clef music on it. When I read music I think of the note that sounds, not what appears on the page. When I read treble clef, I am thinking about playing a Bb when I see a G, but I never try to read a clef like its another. As for ergonomics. I like the familiar 3 + 1 fingerings, but I do not like the "Big Euphonium" feeling. We always need to make sure to bring the horn to us, rather than us to the horn. The euphonium is easily adjusted by holding it or using a pillow or towel lap support. however, the tuba is too heavy to hold, and I haven't found a good support method. I find myself wanting to have the horn on both legs like I do for my CC tuba, but it is too short. Right now, I put it on one leg, but balancing the horn puts a lot of weight on my arm. I also do not like how far the valves are away from the tube I rest my palm on. I much prefer how my front action CC feels. I loved the Besson 983 I've played.