new horn

[MartyNeilan]

You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you.

You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die.

[jeopardymaster]

"But I know something that you do not."

What is that?"

"I am not left-handed."

[andrew the tuba player]

ok. just to clear some confusion Yes, i did trade the Kalison. I love my new conn. I can see where you are all coming from with the control issues. But, I have learned the control the larger horns. I mainly use larger horns such as the beloved 20j, the also beloved 20k and now my 25j. I used to play the Kalsion in the community band, but i switched to the recording 20j because the director prefered it. I do really good on larger horns. And i mentioned the tryouts not to say the horn got the job done, rather to say i can get the job done on the horn. And i mentoned the conductors likeing it to avoid the control issue arguments. They all thought it sounded (and looked) awsome. So, i can control it. And, I know which horns suit me best. So, please don't call me stupid or foolish or any other names for doing something others wouldn't normally do. And, yes, the 25j is the only horn i own. I made this post so that i could show my horn to others who love BATs. I love looking at pictures of other peoples horns. So, i want to give them a chance to see mine. There's no point in argueing. It was a done deal three weeks ago. And no matter how much you argue and try to prove me wrong, this horn is the best for me in my price range and i dont plan on getting rid of it soon. If you have a point to make just drop it in a post and leave it. I don't want my post to be locked over someone elses arguements.
ok, on to the origanal post. I've been playin the conn quite a bit and it's really workin for me. There's only one note that goes flat in the high range (Eb in the staff). other than that the only tuning issue is the pedals which can easily be lipped. I took it into the repair shop and he said the valve would be fairly cheap to fix. I'm gonna straighten the bell at home (yes, i have expeiriance). But, yeah, the horn is great. I'll post pic.s ASAP.

[The Big Ben]

Andrew, like I said at the beginning of this thread, enjoy your horn. If you enjoy it and the people you play for and with enjoy it then, for now at least, it's the horn for you.

However, take the comments by guys like The Elephant as they were given- an attempt to pass knowledge gained from many years of experience. I hope you read the post and thread titled "A visit to Lee Stofer" started by Sam Gnagey this week. Discussion of big horns (a 20J in particular) and the types of mouthpieces which work well with them and why would be information you might find useful.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

A good player can make a 4/4 sound like a 6/4, especially in volume when needed, but it takes alot more effort to make a huge 6/4 sound like a 4/4 when needed

I couldn't disagree more about your second point. I have no problem playing light on a big tuba...I might change to a smaller cup mouthpiece just for cleaner articulations. But, I make a point of practicing soft response, and I realize that not many players do that. Thanks, Dr. Missal.

I wouldn't have the foggiest idea how to make a smaller horn sound like a 6/4, probably because I'm not a good enough player. I would like to "get that sound" on the small Miraphone I have to play on now...any pointers?

[andrew the tuba player]

Yeah, i know. I'm not trying to undermind anyones thought opions or experieance. (sp?). Like i said feel free to drop in comments weather positive or negative and I'll take it and apply it where needed. I just don't like people looking down on my desicisons and fighting back and forth which horn is better. We all know that noones good on one horn. We're all different therefore we use different horns. It doesn't mean that a 4/4 player can't play big, full and dark cause i've heard alot of people do it. But, it also doesn't mean that a 6/4 player is gonna rattle the windows every time he blows a note. So, yeah, i'll take into account what people say. Just don't let it get out of hand.

[bort]

4/4, 6/4, 3/4, whatever/4...

...no non-tuba player really cares. And many tuba players don't really care either. (Think about it...we call them BATs because no one on the outside cares to call them anything else. So, we tell it like it is...that's a Big A$$ Tuba. )

Sound good, have fun, and be the best you can be. What else is there?

[TUbajohn20J]

I'm glad you love your 25J. I don't know what you're plans for the future are, but never, ever get rid of that 25J. As the years go by and you aquire other horns (for whatever reason) you will find yourself going back to the 25J just for the sheer pleasure of playing something that sounds like the voice of God. Have fun with it and never stop playing. John