David, while I don't doubt that there may be some flat half-step fifth valve tubas out there, I believe the ones on the Arion or piggy model tubas would be a flat whole step. I couldn't see a picture of the tubas that band director was talking about, but the Arion or Piggy tubas could be described as 3/4 size and "very free blowing."
With a long 1/2 step fifth, I think the low B would be fine, even without lipping it, especially if you tune that valve to hit that particular note.
Lucky band director, lucky kids.
Cerveny 5th valve question
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jonesbrass
- 4 valves
- Posts: 923
- Joined: Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:29 am
- Location: Sanford, NC
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Steve Inman
- 4 valves
- Posts: 804
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:48 am
I would think your proposed fingerings would be about right. I used to have this set-up on my Eb, but I lengthened the 5th valve to be able to use "standard" fingerings.
I always try out the lowest octave fingerings an octave higher, where I can do a side-by-side comparison with the "normal, in-tune" higher octave fingering, and where my ear has a better chance of hearing the intonation. I finalize my low octave fingerings using this method and then use whatever works best an octave lower (still listening, of course).
Cheers,
I always try out the lowest octave fingerings an octave higher, where I can do a side-by-side comparison with the "normal, in-tune" higher octave fingering, and where my ear has a better chance of hearing the intonation. I finalize my low octave fingerings using this method and then use whatever works best an octave lower (still listening, of course).
Cheers,
Steve Inman
Yamaha YEB-381 Eb
Conn 56J CC
Willson-Marzan CC Solo Model
Kokomo Chamber Brass
Yamaha YEB-381 Eb
Conn 56J CC
Willson-Marzan CC Solo Model
Kokomo Chamber Brass
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cjk
- 5 valves
- Posts: 1915
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:16 pm
If the fifth valve is indeed a flat half step, the low B is nonexistant (if we ignore false tones). There just isn't enough tubing there.
You'll get Db 2345 and low C 12345 (or maybe 1345 if you're lucky). Both fingerings for low C will probably be a little off and will likely require some adjustment.
If I just use valves 1->4 and 6 (flat half step) on my six valve F tuba, I can't get a low F#. I have to use my 5th (flat whole step) valve.
I believe that there was a gentleman that had a nickel silver Alexander that had a flat half step fifth. He might be a good resource for figuring out what really works down there on a contrabass tuba. I think I recall reading that it was Ted Cox (maybe)?
You'll get Db 2345 and low C 12345 (or maybe 1345 if you're lucky). Both fingerings for low C will probably be a little off and will likely require some adjustment.
If I just use valves 1->4 and 6 (flat half step) on my six valve F tuba, I can't get a low F#. I have to use my 5th (flat whole step) valve.
I believe that there was a gentleman that had a nickel silver Alexander that had a flat half step fifth. He might be a good resource for figuring out what really works down there on a contrabass tuba. I think I recall reading that it was Ted Cox (maybe)?