Yamaha YFB/YCB-621/822 hand position?

[TheHatTuba]

I have heard a lot of people on Chisham complain about the hand angle required to play on these tubas. Is it really that bad, or just something you get over?

[k001k47]

I previously owned a ycb 621 without a thumb ring. This made it a little more comfortable to play. I know Wade modified his thumb ring and 5th paddle to make the hand position more comfortable. The problem is that your hand if forced to come into the valves in such an awkward way because of how the valves and thumb ring are positioned: it usually involves some sort of contortion of the wrist. It isn't horrible, but I'd imagine it would really be a burden to someone with a history of arthritis or tendinitis. Also, I had softer springs, so that helped.

I've never spent much time with an 822, but it doesn't seem to have the same problem.

[Alex C]

I removed the thumb rings from YFB621's that I have owned. The wrist angle with the ring caused the deep flexor muscles of the hand to be extended which decreased the speed of finger depression and reduced endurance.

I haven't noticed that problem on the YCB621.

I had no problem with YFB822's I have owned.

Your individual physiology will determine if the hand position doesn't work for you.

[Scott Sutherland]

I definitely have this problem on my YFB-822. I was loaned (hopefully permanently, he hasn't asked for them back ) valve caps that elongate the top surface of the cap and allow my fingers to reach without contorting my wrist. It has helped tremendously. Without them, I was in such pain that I faced a necessary change in equipment.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I never have understood the complaint. I have had a YCB-621 for 20+ years, without any difficulty.
Could the problem have to do with the position of the thumb paddle on the F tuba version?

[Rick Denney]

But what do I know? I only play full time in a ROPA orchestra. I must not be any good!

I've played a YFB621 for a couple of decades, including professionally (it was the instrument I used at Fiesta Texas when the TubaMeisters had that gig), and never noticed anything untowards at all. When I play it now, I still don't notice it, even though I'm used to a Holton. I'm not denying that my hand curves around the way you describe. It just doesn't bother me.

Rick "who has problems with the valve layout of his York Master, but not the Yamaha" Denney

[Z-Tuba Dude]

Could the problem be related to the angle at which we hold horn? I hold my 621 at @ 45 degree angle, which perhaps alleviates the pinky issue?

[The Jackson]

It's pretty cool how tubas come in many different shapes and sizes. My 621 C has been my best buddy and the hand position thing has been no problem. All I needed to do was goof around for a little bit to find what worked the best!

[Bob Kolada]

I've only played the 2 F's and none of the contrabass 621's or 822's. I -love- those little 621 F tubas! Easy to play, clear sound, fun,... I just cannot stand the way the 3rd and 4th valves rotate back towards the bell. I have long arms and that is the opposite way I would like them. The Bobo model looks perfect; I don't know why they designed the regular 621 the way they did. If I could play one without cutting off my forearm and attaching my right hand to my elbow I WOULD have bought one years ago. Unfortunately the final version of the Kanstul F* seems to have the same angle. I like that horn too and was considering putting in a request for one in my Army band but that angle is just too much for me.
I've only played an 822 F once or twice but those are much comfortable though they seem a bit top heavy. Those are pretty sweet horns (coming from an Eb player) but they don't come cheap.


Bob"not a thumb ring issue not a thumb ring issue...."Kolada
Cool little note- the 4th and 3rd slides (or is it just the 4th?) can be pulled far enough to get a low low F with all 5 valves. That note has some back pressure to it but is perfectly usable if you don't want a pedal sound.

[Tuba Guy]

I've been playing on a YFB822 for the past (let's say) year. I have no problem with it when i'm in the mid to upper range, but it hurts every time i have to use my 4th valve. For my hands, I think that valve is just too far away, especially compared to my cb50, which i consider the basis for comfortable. When I was playing something fast (think czardas), I couldn't practice it for more than about 20 minutes without shooting pain going up the side of my arm. It got a little better when i wedged a water bottle in there, but I wasn't a huge fan of this solution.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

* (Just to clarify: I meant 45 degrees to the left, off of the 12 o'clock position)

[Dean E]

I have heard a lot of people on Chisham complain about the hand angle required to play on these tubas. Is it really that bad, or just something you get over?

I have no trouble with my YFB-822S. I am about 71.5 inches tall and hold the horn in my lap.

In general, I am careful to avoid hand strains when picking up tubas (and bowling balls, etc) by using both hands. Also, I resist the temptation to balance and adjust the horn with my right hand alone. One-handed operation puts unnecessary strain on one arm instead of balancing the work between both arms.

I also try to use good ergonomic desk and chair heights for computers, as well as a large mouse that easily fits my hand.

Simple precautions to keep myself healthy make sense, because no one else is going to watch out for me.