How to hold a large Besson Tuba

[Wyvern]

Never heard of a 492. Is that a BBb, or Eb - 3, or 4 valves?

[oedipoes]

if it's the large 3+1 compensating BBb, then you should consider using a stand, like the BBC tuba rest (baltimore brass co).
I played a Besson 700 BBb for 4 years, and a stand was the only solution to improve ergonomics

Wim

[toobaa]

I have an old new standard with the same issue. If i put it on my lap the mouthpiece hits me smack in the middle of the forehead. If i rest it on the seat, i have to sit sideways in a twisted position. I've considered making a ghetto tuba holder (a piece of T-shaped plywood) for the chair, but like the previous poster, i agree a real tuba stand might be something to consider.

[Wilco]

I guess it's designed to be placed on the chair at an angle (like this '/' ). It should fit between your legs then.

[b.williams]

Try putting your tuba on a folded towel that is on your chair between your legs. For what it is worth, my lead pipe was lowered from the original position. As a result, it is too low for me to play with the tuba on my chair and I hate playing with it on my leg. I place my B&H Imperial 3+1 on a folded towel and it works great.

[NickJones]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8 ... 1484197836" target="_blank

this isnt the best pic in the world but the tuba on the left is a Bb sov and the cheeky looking geezer on the one lung model Eb is myself..raising some hard earned cash at christmas

[tofu]

Having had one of these in my arsenal for 29 years I think I have tried virtually every position possible. Some with more success than others. In the end do yourself a big favor and buy an inexpensive stand from Baltimore Brass. If your horn has the ball on the bottom - have it removed - immediately. I've always wondered if Besson/Boosey ever actually thought about the fact that NOBODY in the USA ever used or wanted the @!%* ball. Not doing the ball on export models would have saved them money and their customers the cost and grief of the ball.

[Wyvern]

I think the ball is only of use to marching bands to enable the tuba to be rested on the ground during a break in parade without scratching the bottom bow. As you use sousaphones in the US, obviously of no use to you!

I have personally never found a way to comfortably hold a Besson 3+1 BBb - the 4th valve is just too much of a reach without contortions.

[Dan Schultz]

I think the ball is only of use to marching bands to enable the tuba to be rested on the ground during a break in parade without scratching the bottom bow.....

Once upon a time.... didn't that ball snap into some type of carrier for marching? ... sort of like a harness for carrying a flag?

[Wyvern]

Once upon a time.... didn't that ball snap into some type of carrier for marching? ... sort of like a harness for carrying a flag?

If so, I have never come across such a carrier. I have always seen them carried using a leather strap attached to the hooks

[Ken Herrick]

Yes, there were carry belts with a loop for the ball. An older ex-army (Australian) player told me of having to use one for carrying his tuba. He said they were very awkward as you had to balance the tuba at all times as it was the only thing holding the tuba. I remember seeing the straps, but having never used it, forget it's exact form now.

The ball actually made the bottom bow prone to more damage as it concentrated any blows to the same small area over, and over, and over.....

[termite]

These tubas are designed for marching. The later models could be had in a "Concert" version which had the leadpipe lower down. I think most people find them difficult to play sitting down.

Regards

Gerard

[Steven Noel]

Hi , ive got one of those straps , all harness style leather , with a loop adjusted with a buckle at one end , goes around your neck , then a wide longer piece which also has a buckle , to adjust length , then near the end down on bottom , has a cut hole which the ball slides into . works ok , ive used it many times on parade , but true to need to get use to it balance is the key to it ! and do not ! step in any pot holes or your a goner !! , i use a stand playing my 994 BBb , works best for me now i getting older . best of luck with your bass !

[iiipopes]

The question remains, and has not been answered by the OP: 3 or 4 valves, and Eb or BBb?

If it is a 4-valve BBb, a stand and long arms are required, and possibly a refitting as to the height of the leadpipe and receiver angle.

On my 3-valve comp, I turn a standard orchestra chair @ 45 degrees, set the tuba on the corner of the chair, and have the back of the chair under my right elbow to rest my arm as necessary.