How to put on a top loading bag for shrimps

[MaryAnn]

What I ended up doing, because I cannot find anything else that works better for the time being, is a) set the tuba on the bell; b) put the bag over it the same way one would put on a certain pregnancy-avoiding device; (my female friends are getting a kick out of this, which I have labeled the Condom Method) c) put tuba in bag on the bow end (this is pushing it for me, strength-wise) d) put a towel over the bell (one of my venues has a concrete floor so I carry a towel for when I rest it on the bell next to me) e) tighten the strings that pull the case around the bell. Put bow end on chair, sit down in front of it, slide into backpack straps, stand up. To take it off my back, sit down, slide out of straps, stand up, grab tuba, put on floor bow down.

To get it out of the bag again, I have reached a point where I can grab the top tube with one arm and sort of drag the tuba out while letting the bag fall on the floor. I don't like the floor part but a side-loader would also be on the floor, so whatever, I guess. The bonnet is sitting all nicely protected from dust in a plastic bag. Using the towel as a bonnet makes it easy to carry the towel around. Carrying it is getting easier over time as I build up a bit of strength.

[UDELBR]

I was told at the Meinl-Weston factory to put a foot lightly on the bell as it stands on the floor. Any damage to the bell is far easier to fix that fixing the horn should it fall over while bagging it.

[MaryAnn]

Wouldn't this be far easier to do in outer space ?

I'm not so sure. Suppose I could get the tuba floating sideways right in front of me. It would still take pressure to get the bag on, which would send the tuba flying bell-first towards the nearest thing in the way, which could be bad for the bell.

[Ace]

Put the open top-loader bag upright in a corner against the walls, then lift tuba to insert down into bag bottom bow first. Easy. Now, if one cannot lift the tuba up that far, I question whether that person should be playing that instrument in the first place. Ace

[Donn]

Ace, I always think this thread is going to be about fishing for small edible crustaceans at first, but it's really about tuba players of unusually small stature, and I would like to think that here on Tubenet, we would encourage everyone to play tuba who desires to do so.

I myself am over 6 feet, with a sound back, but back when I had a big tuba and a home made bag, people would stop what they were doing when I started putting it in the bag the way you describe, and head towards me in the obvious belief that I was going to need assistance. It's a kind of ridiculously awkward procedure even for a big guy.

[bort]

What Ace describes is what I do, and is no more awkward than playing the tuba itself.

If top loaders are not convenient, and side loaders are unavailable, consider a hard case. Side loading easy in/out, better protection in every possible way, plus you can wheel it around.

There is no way around the fact that you are small and the tuba is large. I'm just glad you are playing it, the rest is all details!

[Donn]

Or to put the whole range of options out for consideration, there's "no case." I haven't used any kind of case for decades. Or bag (a.k.a. "dent bag".) Can be an easier carry, though I have to admit, not with the bell front Holton. At some point I may sew up a sort of shopping bag with a shoulder strap for my bell front Holton. The bell can stick out, it will be just a way to attach the shoulder strap to the tuba, and maybe protect the valve stems a little.

[tofu]

Tuba transport has to be a category that qualifies for service dog status.



Just place tuba in wagon - added bonus of providing tuba security guard.

Around here I have seen some really slick adaptations for receiver hitches for the various transport devices for disabled folks. Including a platform that hydraulically lowers all the way to the ground. Some of the min-vans I think can now be ordered from the manufacturers with a small ramp that deploys automatically and some of them sit pretty low to the ground so the height is not very steep. With an auto slide side door and the seats stowed if you had a Gard bag you could just wheel it up and in and just let the handle drop to the floor. If you had it in a golf cart type of carrier you could wheel it in and then strap it down. If your transport is just your F150 it's a different kettle of fish because of the height, but there may be possibilities with the rear receiver hitch for an auto lift platform/carrier.

When ever I use a top loader bag I've always held it at a 45 degree angle to the floor with the bottom touching the floor and bending over at the hips with the horn in the other hand slid it in and then while keeping the bottom in contact with floor brought horn/bag to a perpendicular position to cinch the top closed. I can do this in a fraction of the time it takes to use a side-loader, but I still prefer to use my Cronkhite side-loaders.

[MaryAnn]

I just started using a top loader with my 6/4. I read in a post - I think it was Wade's post - that gave the easiest way for me. I lay the horn on the floor with the bag opening at the bottom bow of the horn and simply slide the horn into the bag. Very easy even with the monster I have. I think a 2 year old could do it physically.

My bag "catches" on the valves every time. I have to reach up inside and pull the bag away from the valves to get it to go on, and of course just yanking on it would be insanity. I have removed every strap that "cinches" the bag around the tuba. That's just how it's built. Not easy to use. It would still "catch" on the valves if I slid it in on the floor, at 45 degrees, or whatever. Sitting on the bell is the most secure position I have been able to find.

[bort]

You should try out the Miraphone brand gig bag. It sounds like you have an Altieri...? Those Miraphone bags are superior in every way.

[MaryAnn]

Yesbut aren't they all top loaders? If I get anything new it will be a side zip.

[tofu]

Tuba schrimps should hire tuba sherpas.

Especially handy for when you climb Everest with a BAT in a giant Miraphone top loader gig bag!

[MaryAnn]

I have actually commented to several people that I need a sherpa. Asked the conductor in the parking lot on Tuesday when are they going to hire me a sherpa....don't think it's going to happen.