Touring in China - Tubas

[bort]

First, congrats! Sounds cool!

I know others will have more first-hand experience, but about 5 years ago I did a band tour in Austria, and had a similar arrangement -- borrowed a tuba from a local pro and kept it with me for the week. I didn't have to do any of the legwork though, the band managers here and over there did the work, but it was the same basic idea you mentioned. Same for percussion too, they aren't very well going to haul tympani around with them. Granted, I would think that accomplishing this in Austria would be many times easier than doing so in China.

Maybe "Neptune" will have some thoughts about tubas in China...?

Good luck!

[Chuck Jackson]

Ben,

Taking the youth orchestra over in the Summer of 2011, but I am going over @ Thanksgiving to conduct and do some advance work with the tour company. As we are renting the basses, cellos, and tuba, I will find out as much as I can and let you know.

Chuck"Jet lag"Jackson

[tclements]

In teh early 1990's, I toured China. I had Anvil build a case for my Yorkbrunner. While al the other cases (harp, cello, timp, bass) were splitting open, my anvil got nary a scratch. I brought my horn down there (caught an Angels game while I was there) and had them custom measure the instrument for the case. I canr recommend the case highly enough.

[imperialbari]

Time to take up the French C tuba (or its closest modern equivalent).

Klaus

[cambrook]

I understand the idea of wanting to buy a seat for your tuba, but there are many things that could go wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if some staff at airports would not want to let you board the flight even if you had bought a ticket. On some flights in China the seats are narrow and there isn't much legroom, which makes it more difficult even if you can get your tuba on board.

Good luck,

Cam

[imperialbari]

And in the case of overbooking, who will the check-in staff be more likely to leave behind: your tuba or their 5th cousins 7th uncle?

Klaus

[Kevin Hendrick]

I know I won't be purchasing a travel tuba, but the M&M5000 apears to be a very small Bb... maybe it would be carry on. 12.5" bell is better than the travel tuba... Donno. Ideally I'd like a large C. Theres heavy rep on the concert.

The M&M 5000, if I'm not mistaken, is a Bb tenor (rotary euph), not a contrabass. If you could "make do" with a tenor, either a French C (as Klaus suggested) or a compensating euph would seem in order ... but neither will ever be mistaken for a contrabass.

[bort]

I think there are a few Chinese TubeNetters on here, at least in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing... might be a start, though I don't know of a "simple" way to search based on location here. Meh, it's a start!

[Wyvern]

I will be messaging Neptune.

Ben, I am still working out about travelling in China with tuba myself, so the input I can give you is very limited. However my little experience of tuba flying in China, taking out an old Amati F is that they were quite accommodating over there. At least China Airways were willing to stretch the rules and did not charge me excess baggage, which is more than I can say for British Airways!

As a starting point to better find out the situation for borrowing, or flying with tuba in China, I would suggest you PM Micky Wrobleski of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. He can be found on here using the name 'wrobotuba'.

If you are looking for sponsorship loaned tuba, why not discuss with a US importer of such like M&M who might be able to arrange something?

Ben, When are you visiting China and what cities are you visiting? I will be out there early next year, so might find out more then. Good luck! Jonathan