What is to blame for problem notes?

[TheHatTuba]

On rotary f tubas (and the low bb on some rotary eb tubas) is the low cc bad because of the valve section or the bugle of the instrument?

[opus37]

Masons do not use radio waves nor would they disrupt such a noble instrument. Think tri-lateral commission...........

[opus37]

The fezz fob levitation thing is one of shriners many secrets (ya, right). Being a shriner and a mason, I can assure you no ultra low frequency sound waves are involved.

[gjones7777]

Most likely it's interference from HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program)
Years ago DARPA started this loony tunes project "to analyze the ionosphere and investigate the potential for developing ionospheric enhancement technology for radio communications and surveillance purposes (such as missile detection)". What it did is interfere with anything below F on a world wide scale. So far DARPA has declined comment. For more on HAARP and the effect it has on low notes see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAARP" target="_blank" target="_blank
http://haarp.net/" target="_blank" target="_blank
http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/ha ... _index.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Ben]

Problem Players = problem notes

All of my notes are a problem, at least I am consistent

[Walter Webb]

If I may burst in here with a slightly more serious interjection..... I have a Kanstul 66-S Eb tuba and there are a couple of notes below the staff (Bb, A) that just don't speak as well as those above and below. Airflow, embrochure looseness/pressure variables all being equal, they just don't emerge from the horn like the others. They are stuffy and require a different approach to make them sound. This may be a tendency for Eefers, or not. Could someone point to a list of typically lame notes for each key of tuba?

I suspect all the gleefully facetious remarks stem from the fact that all tubas have some anomaly or another that the player must adapt to, and there's no explanation for it, and nothing that can be done about it, really. Either that, or those funny smells emanating from the crack house down the street have gotten into my horn.

[Ferguson]

Errors in the taper (read: poor design) contribute to this.

Here's a thread that may help you, and solution:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=41660" target="_blank

Ferguson

[k001k47]

You have to point your bell perpendicular to the sunrise, this helps the notes center just a bit.

[Wyvern]

I don't know why all the nonsense responses to a sensible question (even if not very well worded)?

I am no expert but I understand all tubas are compromises in design between tone, intonation, consistency, ergonomics and more. To correct one thing in a design can often cause a detrimental effects elsewhere. Some tubas have what some players consider 'problem notes' in their low register, but to make those easier may well have a detrimental effect elsewhere?

So you need to choose the tuba which has the characteristics which are important to you, be it perfect intonation, easy low register, easy high register, easy slotting of notes, the tone you desire, good ergonomics, or whatever.

In most cases those 'problem notes' are just ones that have to be coxed and practised a bit more to work. I had a bit of difficulty with the low C on my travel tuba initially, but now after a couple months practice, it pops out perfect. It is just a matter of getting accustomed how to play that tuba.

[opus37]

Bloke -

Well said.

[NDSPTuba]

Seems to me that the potential problem note we are discussing is 1,3 or 4 on all the different keyed tubas. I always use 4, but either way we are adding allot of tubing to the bugle. How that tubing is integrated into the bugle is what will determine how easily the note plays. Be it graduated bore, tapered bore, consistent bore or even how the circuitry is laid out will have an effect on how easily the note speaks. It is always the first note I try on any tuba I pickup, because that is a no go for me.

You'd think the larger bored 4th valve circuitry would make it blow easier, but that isn't necessarily true. I've played tubas is keep the same bore through the 4th valve and play that note great and I've played tubas that had larger bore 4th that didn't speak well at all and vise versa.

[normrowe]

I suspect all the gleefully facetious remarks stem from the fact that all tubas have some anomaly or another that the player must adapt to, and there's no explanation for it, and nothing that can be done about it, really.

Most all instruments have something odd at some point(s) in their range. Back in the mid-60's I had a fellow trying to sell me a tuba that had been purchased by a university and later sold off. He was asking for $100. Sounded good to me, so I went to his house to check it out. Half the notes would not even play!!! And the half that did play were so out of tune with themselves that the thing was totally useless as a musical instrument. I didn't need a lamp or mailbox stand at the time, so I passed on it.

[imperialbari]

Without joking, it is literally a problem with carbon emissions.

Solution: Tubas out of Gore-Tex!

K

[Tubajug]

My little brother tossed a toy rhinoceros into my baritone when I was practicing in 6th grade. That certainly made for a few problem notes.

[swillafew]

As far as I know, when a good manufacturer makes the parts of their horns, they won't use a part that isn't up to specifications. The finest parts go in the most expensive models. The scrap heap is for student horns. Slipping poor parts into the production would degrade the horn (or so I was told).

Aside from that, I have never experienced the 4th valve issues, and can't recall the complaints from classmates or teachers either. Some trombonists won't use an F attachment for the effect on the horn, I guess it's essentially the same beef.