I am playing in the pit for a community theater production of the Music Man.
I started off planning on playing only bass, but I've been slowly adding in tuba to a few songs here and there. I am just playing off of the bass book.
This is actually a lot of fun! Even if no one else notices, it feels cool swapping a four-banger for a tuba and then back again. I also occupy more room than all the other musicians except for the piano player!
My setup is my King 2341, a custom built fretted coffee table wood four-string with piezo pickup and an Ampeg Micro VR bass amp. I may take a picture and post it.
...I have an electric upright at home, but my intonation is horrible....but probably as good as the other strings in the pit! ...and who really wants to triple anyway.
I would break out the Conn 40k, but I'd block half the stage with the bell.
...on a side note, I did find it humorous that one of the kids in the "boys band" has a fiberglass sousaphone...oh well...that's what the director wanted I guess.
...I just wanted to share...
Thanks,
jc
Tuba and bass guitar doubling in pit orchestra
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MrBasseyPants
- bugler
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Fri May 04, 2007 7:09 am
- Location: Chicago, IL
Tuba and bass guitar doubling in pit orchestra
MrBasseyPants - jc
My three Kings: 2007 King 2341 | 1935 King Giant 1271 | 1925 King 1265 Jumbo (now with four valves)
...and a 1920s Columbia Tenor Sousaphone
WARNING: This tuba player has been known to get his groove on via bass guitar as well!
My three Kings: 2007 King 2341 | 1935 King Giant 1271 | 1925 King 1265 Jumbo (now with four valves)
...and a 1920s Columbia Tenor Sousaphone
WARNING: This tuba player has been known to get his groove on via bass guitar as well!
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tubaforce
- 3 valves
- Posts: 317
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:15 pm
Re: Tuba and bass guitar doubling in pit orchestra
Good for you!
I wouldn't triple unless there's MONEY involved! Some musicals just scream out for doubling! Hello!Dolly, Mame, La Cage, Some Like It Hot...and many more! Is that 41.75" scale killing you? If you don't have the dough for a 34" job, such as an NS design Omni Bass, you should try playing your EUB through a pair of headphones. Play stuff you already know on Tuba, and stop once in a while and check a pitch or two vs. your tuner...
Play on!,
Al
I wouldn't triple unless there's MONEY involved! Some musicals just scream out for doubling! Hello!Dolly, Mame, La Cage, Some Like It Hot...and many more! Is that 41.75" scale killing you? If you don't have the dough for a 34" job, such as an NS design Omni Bass, you should try playing your EUB through a pair of headphones. Play stuff you already know on Tuba, and stop once in a while and check a pitch or two vs. your tuner...
Play on!,
Al