What is the real deal between BBb and CC?

[imperialbari]

If CC is better than BBb, wouldn’t Db be even better?

Klaus

As sound an argument as that may be, I don't advocate and won't support the name of any parachuting criminal in my tuba playing.

... even though a Db might fit in a Mini Cooper?

Would that cause a barrel shaped bell?

[Kevin Hendrick]

As sound an argument as that may be, I don't advocate and won't support the name of any parachuting criminal in my tuba playing.

... even though a Db might fit in a Mini Cooper?

Would that cause a barrel shaped bell?

Sounds wright to me ...

[Norm Pearson]

As has already been mentioned in this thread, the CC tuba is slightly shorter in tubing length than the BB flat tuba and this often translates to a slightly better response (there are many exceptions to this I'm sure).

I played a hand made Fafner a few weeks ago that was as responsive and easy to play as my Baer 6450/2 hand made FWIW

Norm Pearson

[bort]

As has already been mentioned in this thread, the CC tuba is slightly shorter in tubing length than the BB flat tuba and this often translates to a slightly better response (there are many exceptions to this I'm sure).

I played a hand made Fafner a few weeks ago that was as responsive and easy to play as my Baer 6450/2 hand made FWIW

Norm Pearson

1) Top-quality tubas are top-quality tubas, regardless of key.
2) Top-quality players are top-quality players, regardless of tuba.

[tokuno]

2) Top-quality players are top-quality players, regardless of tuba.

Uh oh, gulp. Not sure I like the opposite corollary, but pretty sure I resemble it.

To paraphrase Lincoln:
Better to be silent on my BBb and be thought a fool than to play out and remove all doubt . . .

[Alex C]

If CC is better than BBb, wouldn’t Db be even better?

Klaus

No, D is better.*
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.*e.g. The "Bobo D tuba"

[Kevin Hendrick]

If CC is better than BBb, wouldn’t Db be even better?

Klaus

No, D is better.*
.
.
.
.
.
.*e.g. The "Bobo D tuba"

Just to throw yet another option (a.k.a. "monkey wrench" ) into the mix, I would think there'd be occasions where a large-bore AAb would be useful (I know an Ab tenor would be nice to have for orchestral use -- seems like the AAb contrabass would also) ...

[eupher61]

The ultimate argument against a CC preference:

How many C trombones do you see running around? If'n it's good enough for the slushpumpers, it's good enough for me. IF it's a good tuba.

[Lew]

If CC is better than BBb, wouldn’t Db be even better?

Klaus

I know you're being sarcastic, but that's not the point. I believe that people are saying that playing in sharp keys is easier on CC, not because it is two ft shorter, but because you make less use of third and fourth valve combinations. The pinky and ring finger are just not as strong as the other fingers.

I agree that a professional should have the same facility on a tuba in any key, and that these differences should not matter, in which case the choice of key of tuba should be based on the specific horn that allows them to more readily achieve the tone quality they prefer and facilitates intonation. I am just saying that I can understand why some people would say that most orchestral pieces sit easier on a CC than on a BBb. But, I never play CC, although I have tried many of them, and almost never play with an orchestra, so it is moot for me. I find that having a 4/4 BBb, a 6/4 BBb, and and Eb are more than enough for what I need. I could probably do all my playing (wind ensemble, concert band, British (style) brass band, brass quintet) on the 4/4 BBb, but what fun would that be. Of course having a couple of sousaphones to use for marching, or a helicon just to confuse people is fun too.

[imperialbari]

The Db suggestion was more directed towards those suggesting the advantage being its better response due to the shorter tubing.

Db tubas have been used in Danish bands. I never saw one, that I was aware of, but my first brass tutor, which was already very old, when I started in 1960, had fingering tables for Db tubas with various valve configurations.

Klaus

[tubamonster]

Wonderful, another BBb vs. CC argument.
Who cares? This is just something to keep those of us on the Tubenet going as someone previously posted.
As for fingerings: learning CC because the fingerings are "easier" is a waste of time because you will still run into complicated fingerings. Besides, we only have 3-6 things to press down. Think about how many things a woodwind player has to press down (we have other challenges).

tubamonster

[Wyvern]

The Db suggestion was more directed towards those suggesting the advantage being its better response due to the shorter tubing.

If one follows that argument then Eb is better, then F yet better still, but it is all what one wants sound and response wise.

My experience is that CC is a good balance between the BBb sound and Eb response.

[BavarianFanfare]

Dear TubeNet Community:

It is widely known that in Germany, where the tuba was invented, that BB-Flat & F Tubas are the instruments of choice in their professional orchestras. Does this mean that tubists in other countries outside the U.S. are not as accomplished on their instruments? Personally, I believe that it is a matter of personal preference as to which key a tubist plays or performs on. If a tubist can win an orchestra job with either a CC or BB-Flat, does it really matter which one?
In closing, I like tubas in BB-Flat, CC, F, & E-Flat. If my teacher believed that I sounded better on a particular keyed tuba, that should be the one I should seriously consider focusing my attention on most. I have spoken in depth with my teacher about transitioning to a CC, but will not do so until I have overcome a few issues in my playing. He has never discouraged me from moving to CC, or staying on BB-Flat only. My teacher is a professional player, and whom I respect both personally & professionally, so his insight is very, very, important to me. I embrace both BB-Flat & CC, and do not believe that BB-Flat Tubas are just for amateurs or children! Just my perspective and my humble opinion.

Sincerely & Respectfully,

Bavarian Fanfare