Intonation on big tubas

[iiipopes]

A 38K especially, if you've never picked one up, with its huge throat and 30lbs+ of good brass, definitely qualifies as a 6/4.

[Peach]

Seems like I need to restate what I already said - most people don't seem to have understood...

Would folks comment on their experiences with intonation on big tubas.

i.e. "I own and play tuba-X 8/4 C and it's great. Bottom line G is 1 cent flat which is a real pain but I use 1-3 and squeeze my butt cheeks together as a workaround. Otherwise every other note is perfect even if I try to play out of tune."

How far out are bad notes in cents? Are they fixable - pulls or alternates?
I don't want to buy one. Just want to know what some people live with.

I also don't want a 188.

[Wyvern]

There seems to be enough tone elasticity that pitch can be stretched guite a bit without sacrificing tonal beauty and clarity

I have found that same characteristic with my Neptune. If you check against a tuner, some notes appear as much as 20% out, but I rarely have intonation problems playing with an orchestra or band - I automatically bend the notes to pitch when playing in an ensemble.

Tuners are fine for finding the optimal positions of slides, but in an ensemble, listening and adjusting pitch accordingly is what is important.

[Peach]

I'll try this once again, a slightly different way-

I don't think I've asked for generalisations of any kind - I'm looking for specific first-hand experiences with large-tuba-pitch. I want to know what sorts of pitch difficulties players live with and work around when they play tuba. I asked about big tubas but this could just as well apply to any size.

I'm not buying a tuba and am not looking for any recommendations.

If someone states their Yorka-Hama-Catastro-Phone can't play a Western scale I wont presume that they all can't; just that particular one.

Thanks to those who've responded with experiences...

[TubaRay]

I'll try this once again, a slightly different way-

The TNFJ strikes again!!!

[MikeMason]

My holton did not play in tune.It had to be played in tune.I pulled slides alot.I had the main slide cut a bit.I had a MW valveset with slides I could reach.There really wasn't a note without some sort of solution.I never had any negative intonation feedback while I had it,but I was always vigilant about carefully and proactively adjusting.I always assumed the problem was me,when there was one.I really haven't battle-tested Mr. Thor yet,but I'm expecting a little easier go with it,based on practice room playing.P.S., Peach, our main goal is not always to specifically answer a poster's question only.This is also our social circle where we visit and chit-chat amongst ourselves,with specific questions just getting the ball rolling.Some good information can come about this way.

[Peach]

Peach, our main goal is not always to specifically answer a poster's question only.This is also our social circle where we visit and chit-chat amongst ourselves,with specific questions just getting the ball rolling.Some good information can come about this way.

Thanks Mike, and I know... No point me getting shitty just because I'm not getting answers exactly like I hoped. It's still an interesting thread either way.

Cheers! :D

[MikeMason]

Bob, I did have and use it for a while as a 3 valve.The tendencies were similar.The valves were a bit worn and the horn was a bit foggier before the new valves.The new ones could be adjusted alot better and easier as well.

[Wyvern]

No point me getting shitty just because I'm not getting answers exactly like I hoped.

Malcolm,
In my experience you rarely get exactly the answers you want! We are all like a load of tuba players sitting around having a chat. Someone starts a subject of discussion and it can go in any direction.

What I am curious about, is why you want to know anyway?

Jonathan "who does not usually analyse the intonation of his tubas"

[Rick Denney]

I'm looking for specific first-hand experiences with large-tuba-pitch.

My BB-345 Holton is a typical big tuba--the intonation is a little squirrelly. The worst problem for me was that the sixth partial was quite sharp, and I usually finger them on the 7th partial (i.e., G on second valve, F on 1-2). Higher notes were fine, as limited by my general abilities.

The fifth partial is right on. For me, the fourth partial is flat, but that was not the case for Joe when he evaluated my instrument for the improvements it is now receiving.

The third partial is fine. Joe found the low Bb to be extremely sharp when the slide was positioned were I usually put it. I'm reserving judgment on that one for now. We will probably lengthen the main slide and then see how that works.

With those quirks, I would consider my Holton to have excellent intonation for a big tuba. Conclude what you may from that statement. If I can play it in an ensemble and not attract complaints, then it must be reasonably manageable.

I usually have about 2" showing on the third slide, and about 3" on the fourth slide. The first slide is typically all the way home.

Rick "noting that none of the above fell outside +/- 20 cents at worst" Denney

[MartyNeilan]

[true] Twenty years ago or so, I spoke to Mr. Jacobs about his most commonly-used York, and was informed that "the intonation is perfect".

In the hands of a master, I am sure it was!

[Tabor]

...and adjust to our instrument.

[bttmbow]

Bloke, I think it is preposterous to imagine that a horn can be "perfect" intonation-wise, as I am guessing you are hinting at...

but, that horn has no difficulties pitch-wise that I can remember; I just remember that it played like a REALLY comfy 4/4, just with a whole lot of extra tonal bandwidth. Pitch was not a problem.

I'd imagine that the two players that have spent the most time on that horn have had some influence on the way it plays, too (food for thought...).

CJH