Music Tattoos?

[ralphbsz]

While the attraction of tattoos (as a means of self-expression) is obvious, one has to consider the risks. They are pretty darn permanent. And the sentiment one may want to express at a certain age or on a certain setting may be incorrect or even inappropriate at a different age or in a different setting.

Case in point: A friend of ours is a lady who is a state park ranger. Meaning a person who is a law enforcement officer (on the job she wears uniform, a badge, and a gun on her belt), meaning the way she presents herself has to project seriousness and professionalism. On the other hand, being a park ranger also means being a bit of a wild person, outdoorsy, and adventurous. She claims to have a tattoo (to express her wild side), but it is so carefully placed that nobody will ever see if when she's on duty. I think that's a great compromise.

(And to amuse Brian: Yesterday I was in Santa Cruz, and I had to pick up a Korg Tuner quickly. So I decided to stop at Thomas Musical Instruments, because they have lots of tubas and sousaphones sitting around. Most amusing place, and the owner seems to be a really nice guy. What I didn't know is that they are located behind a tattoo parlor. Lots of very young people sitting outside, waiting for their tattoo appointments. They mostly looked like college freshmen. I guesses classes started recently at UCSC.)

[ralphbsz]

I hope you also noticed all the horns hanging from the rafters.

Not just noticed, ogled and stared. At first, I didnt't see the one really BIG sousaphone, so I asked John whether he knows of any Jumbo-size instrument on the west coast. It turns out there is a Martin (is it a Mammoth?) hanging right there. Needs a valve job though.

As I said: Neat place. Lots of fun instruments everywhere.

[bearphonium]

Much like Ralphbsz wrote regarding his friend the park ranger, I have been in law enforcement, having completed 28 years of service. Like you, I am a "dudette". I sport 7 tattoos, none of which are visible when I am wearing long pants and a short sleeve shirt. One is revealed when I don shorts (as I do most of the year) and another becomes visible when I put on a sleeveless t-shirt (which I do more regularly in the summer time). More are visible when I sport a tank top, which I do infrequently.

Every person gets a tattoo for different reasons. I have 4 memorial tattoos for my parents and a line of duty death of a good friend of mine, the others represent me, or my now almost 30 year relationship (eternity knot). I have often thought of a musical tattoo, but the ability to draw a good representation of a tuba or sousaphone is an ability sorely lacking in this area (although I did see a cool-ish flaming sousaphone on this forum several years ago). I think your idea of a bass clef is a great idea; no issue with the location, either.

I believe that social norms are changing regarding tattoos, and I also believe that it is a slow process. Back of neck, yes, face no. Have fun and enjoy!

[bort]

Don't just get the clef, get a note, too. I would suggest this:



For the people who don't like it, you can tell them to "F" off.

[Sean Greene]

I wanted a tattoo that would never NOT be cool. So I got a tattoo of the Thing (from Fantastic Four) playing a sousaphone. It's on my leg. It's awesome. I love it.
If you want to see it, come to Knoxville!

SG

[Dan Schultz]

.... I think your idea of a bass clef is a great idea....

Fine as long she doesn't move to the UK. There... the only brass players who even know what the bass clef is will be the bass trombone players!

[bort]

Not big on tattoos at all, but that Conn tat is cool. If I were big into one particular brand of tuba, etc. something like that might be considered.

Post a pic of your King tat when you get it done...

I think just the "naked lady" part of that would be cool. First, because dudes get tats of naked ladies. And second, so that "in the know" people would know that it's Mrs. Conn.

One ting is for sure, with any of these tats, you folks won't run into anyone else with the same thing.

BTW, Ian, that thing is serious! Congrats!

[Fate0555]

Wow! There are a lot of replies! Sorry if I miss anyone!

Bob Kolada - Trust me, money is definitely going into savings for a horn! (:

Tuba Tinker - That sounds awesome! If only they were that inexpensive now though!

goodgigs- Okay, I respect your opinion. But I still have to disagree. You are obviously someone who absolutely loathes tattoos (which is totally fine. I am not by any means trying a attack you.) Some people like tattoos, while others don't. That's just how it is. There is no point in arguing about it. So let's just agree to disagree here.
However I would like to clarify. I am not getting tattoos for attention or to be "cool." I've been a band geek my whole school life, do you really think I care about popularity? :p

ralphbsz - I definitely understand the risks and, yes the permanence of tattoos. I already have one and absolutely love it. The meaning (and the ones of the ones I am thinking about getting) is something that will never change. And that's just something I can't really explain.

bearphonium - Although I am sorry to hear of your losses, I love that you got memorial tattoos for all of them. Massive respect.

bort - That made me laugh so hard, thank you (: I would so do that but it's something that would look better on an arm because of the staff. Unfortunately, that space is already taken.

curmudgeon - I believe I heard about that recently as well. I wanted to be in a military band, but can't now anyways for medical reasons (hockey injuries.) Thank you for informing us!

Kiltie Tuba - Wow! That is so epic I don't even know what to say! Please post a finished photo! Also, thank you for the ideas (:

Thank you all (:

[Heavy_Metal]

Welcome, Fate0555... and, tattoos or no, it's great to see more girls playing the tuba.

[Fate0555]

KiltieTuba, That is absolutely badass!

goodgigs, Haha thank you! And I believe I misunderstood you a bit. Glad that's sorted out then

Heavy_Metal, Thank you

[Fate0555]

KiltieTuba, keep us updated! Sure it will look amazing finished

[Tundratubast]

I'm pushing 59 real soon, and I also spent 20 years in our Navy, I do not have a tatoo at this time.
I am however considering getting a Tall Ship tatoo, because at this age, I'm less concerned about
it sinking, before I'm planted for eternal bliss. I really hate it when my ships sink prematurely when run
a ground before their time.

[Tubajug]

I don't have any tattoos, nor will I, but I'm curious, do tattoo artists do the whole thing freehand? Or do they draw it on somehow beforehand then trace over it?

While I don't personally like tattoos, I have always thought that those that apply are some really fine artists!

[bort]

Hey Ian, there aren't there two E's in Cleveland? (It's Cleveland, not Clevland...)
















Just kidding. Very cool tat!