Anatomy of a tuba

[mog976]

Hey guys. Would anybody be willing to enlighten me about the names of the various tubes of a tuba? I know what a top bow, bottom bow, and lead pipe are, but that's about it. Can anybody tell me names of the other tubes? Most specifically the tube that is after the top bow (when following the tubing starting at the bell). Thanks for the help.

[Dan Schultz]

Maybe someone can chime in with something a little more technical but I've always referred to the parts, beginning at the bell as:

1 - bell.
2 - bell stack.
3 - bottom bow.
4 - back tube.
5 - top bow.
6 - front tube.
7 - bottom 2nd bow.
8 - back 2nd tube.
9 - top 2nd bow.
10 - front 2nd tube.
11 - bottom 2nd bow.
12 - valveset exit tube.
14 - valve set (with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc... valve circuits).
15 - lead pipe slide (if present).
16 - lead pipe.

For BBb and CC tubas, the above nomenclature is likely. For Eb and F tubas, the back 2nd tube, top 2nd bow, and bottom 2nd bow probably would not be present.

This is a logical convenient referrence for me. Anyone care to comment?

[imperialbari]

The bell stack is the by length largest, but by diameter and volume smallest part of the bell. Its exact placement is between the ferrule connecting the bell to the bottom bow and the beginning of the bell throat, which is the area where the fast expansion into the bell flare begins.

In tubas with detachable bells the stack is the area between the bottom bow ferrule and the collar, where the bell is joined to the body.

Klaus, who hates threads being tinkered with

[imperialbari]

Your question exceeds my knowledge of English.

Klaus

[Dan Schultz]

There is some confusion here because:

- Some manufacturers call the "bottom bow" the "1st branch"

Confusion only because no has bothered to standardize the nomenclature. Really.... I think it would be nice to have common terminology that could be understood by all (most).