Suggestions (to manufacturers) for a new tuba

[circusboy]

Just wanted to add my vote for a pocket tuba. I'd buy one of those in a minute if it actually sounded mostly like a tuba.

Big Ben, I challenge your dibs on one of those 1900 Cervenys!

Lots of good ideas here, folks. Especially the one about getting this thread into the hands of some manufacturers. Anybody know how or would be willing to do so?

[tubaguy9]

I want a sem-playable "pocket" tuba. (and no, i don't mean literally... i just mean a 1/4 sized horn)

I'm not picky. I just want a bass I can tote around with me, since I travel so much. It doesn't have to sound like a Hirsbrunner, but it needs to be able to fit in my car.


Starting price would have to be less than 5 grand.



(keeps dreaming)


Another thing I wonder, is with car companies and other instrument companies providing accessories specifically for a horn/car, when will they do it with tubas. Protective wraps for spots where we touch the horn (that aren't a fortune and specially made).

*cough, cough, 3/4 Euphonium Cough, Cough...*

[djwesp]

*cough, cough, 3/4 Euphonium Cough, Cough...*

You should come hear me play the picc solo (no, not on the picc) in Stars and Stripes at the country club in Omaha tomorrow night (it is funny to say the least). We have a John Phillips Sousa Commemorative Band concert there tomorrow.

[jonesbrass]

I'm much easier to please: How about just producing some AFFORDABLE pro-quality 4 or 5 valve instruments in the four standard keys: BBb, CC, EEb, and F? You know, so we don't all have to take out a second mortgage to get a decent horn . . .

[ZNC Dandy]

I wish 5th valves were all detachable on contrabass tubas. My old Alexander had a detachable 5th valve. That was a great instrument. I wish I had never sold it. And if the current owner decides to sell it, i'll buy it back in a heartbeat. I also wish more mouthpieces were made with specific horns in mind. Like the old Alexander mouthpieces were for their horns. The detachable bell would be nice too, but not like a sousaphone. It should be a screwbell like a French horn. In my ideal setup the bell would detach where it meets the bottom bow. Also, this has nothing to do with improving the instrument itself...why is there so much literature written in the extreme high register? Very rarely, it seems, does anyone bother to write for the contrabass tuba in a register where the instrument can really sing and take full advantage of its sonic qualities. Thats one big reason I love to play music written for other instruments.

[Tubanese]

Reproduction of Monster Eb York

[Chuck(G)]

I want a tuba that will read my mind and play what I think I want to play, not what actually materializes at my fingers.

And how about one that relieves one of the "purple spots syndrome" when holding a low C for 9 bars with a conductor who feels the work needs to be "stately"?

[iiipopes]

--or the general wishes for perfect intonation

How about a main slide trigger as standard equipment.

Done. It's called the Kanstul "tune any note" system. It's been standard issue for the last few years.

[iiipopes]

What bloke said and the picture shows. The lead euph in our university Community band has one, and also has a wooden seat "cushion" complete with a forward tongue for the peg to rest on so it is more comfortable.