When to stop doubling letters

[Rick Denney]

For describing pitches, I would use the modern octave designations, which are either numbered or use the little symbols--I forget which. Time to go back and read Read.

For describing tubas, I would use the terms "contrabass" and "bass". If a pitch is needed, I usually just use a single letter, such as "Bb contrabass tuba". If you use "BBb" and "CC", explain on first use that these are the traditional designations and leave it at that. E.G.: "The traditionally named BBb and CC tubas are contrabass tubas pitched in..."

Rick "clarity is more important than orthodoxy" Denney

[Steve Inman]

"For describing tubas, I would use the terms "contrabass" and 'bass'."

Or, you could call them:

First bass -- the F tuba, as it came first
Second bass -- whichever was created next
Third bass --- etc
Home plate -- the last one on the scene!

You only score a home run when you own one of each.

[Kevin Hendrick]

... you could call them:

First bass -- the F tuba, as it came first
Second bass -- whichever was created next
Third bass --- etc
Home plate -- the last one on the scene!

You only score a home run when you own one of each.

I'm assuming "shortstop" would be either a French tuba or euph ...

[Chuck(G)]

Alternative designations don't work. I once spoke about a "Bb contrabass tuba" tuba to band director friend and he looked at me sort of strangely and said "is that the same as a double-be-flat tuba"?

Sigh. Heaven knows what he would have made of "Eb bombardon".

Jonathan, on most of my brass band parts, I see "Bb bass" and "Eb bass" marked. I'm sure what's intended is full-sized instruments, no?

Our nomenclature is so screwed up.

[finnbogi]

Jonathan "who just uses the terms Eb tuba and C tuba when talking to non-tubists"

A very sensible thing to do, in my opinion. In fact, I also use these terms when talking to tubists, because they ought to know exactly what I mean...