Willson 3100 RZ-4

[Ken Herrick]

Just an observation...

Looking at the photo and realising that there may be some distortion due to camera angle etc...

To me it looks like, by reaching around to grip the first valve slide, you are having to lean a bit to your right and raising your left shoulder which would compromise your breathing somewhat.

I know unsolicited "advice" is often not welcome. but could I suggest you try holding the instrument (in a practice session) so that you can keep your torso fully erect and see if it does free up your breathing a bit.

If I were to have one of these instruments I would be looking at a couple mods (probably more nicely done on a special order for a new one) and have the thumb ring relocated and consider some sort of "trigger" or such to manipulate that first valve slide.

It also looks a bit like you are leaning your head a bit to the right to be able to see past the bell with your left eye - again something which could compromise your playing. These are possibly very minor points but sometimes the very minor can make a big difference.

What a shame it is that we can not go to a dealer (as a routine matter) and have a tuba "made to measure" as one would with a suit which would almost always cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$ less than a new tuba.

Just suggestions and, OH YES, I am jealous!!!!!!!!

[Wyvern]

One silver plated 3100 RZ-4 on order.
12 weeks waiting, starting 1st week of january.

Congratulations Wim! Report back when you receive

[oedipoes]

Just an observation...

Looking at the photo and realising that there may be some distortion due to camera angle etc...

To me it looks like, by reaching around to grip the first valve slide, you are having to lean a bit to your right and raising your left shoulder which would compromise your breathing somewhat.

I know unsolicited "advice" is often not welcome. but could I suggest you try holding the instrument (in a practice session) so that you can keep your torso fully erect and see if it does free up your breathing a bit.

If I were to have one of these instruments I would be looking at a couple mods (probably more nicely done on a special order for a new one) and have the thumb ring relocated and consider some sort of "trigger" or such to manipulate that first valve slide.

It also looks a bit like you are leaning your head a bit to the right to be able to see past the bell with your left eye - again something which could compromise your playing. These are possibly very minor points but sometimes the very minor can make a big difference.

What a shame it is that we can not go to a dealer (as a routine matter) and have a tuba "made to measure" as one would with a suit which would almost always cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$ less than a new tuba.

Just suggestions and, OH YES, I am jealous!!!!!!!!

Well, some explanation to that:

- I just grabbed the tuba and jumped on my chair, after pushing the "auto"-button on the camera. 3 seconds before this picture, the tuba was still on its bell on the floor... So this might not be the best picture to judge my posture while playing. But I'll keep ergonomics in mind when I start using the new horn.

- I only need the 1st valve slide for pedals, but for some reason grabbed the slide while positioning the tuba for the pic. No big deal. I could have reached through the horn too, so that my shoulder position remained lower.

- About the thumb ring, positioning it lower would interfere with the 2nd valve slide pulled out. Don't really need the ring anyway.

- I have a BBC tuba rest on order too, that should help me positioning the tuba for better sight and breathing.

Thanks for the advice!

Wim

[Ken Herrick]

It sounds like you've got it all under control. All the best with your new friend. When you get it, do a clip - sound only, for those of us who can't afford enough download for videos.

All the best,

Ken