Let's talk Tenor Tubas

[iiipopes]

Somebody's trying to draw a line between euphoniums and tenor tubas ... the problem with that is that euphoniums *are* tenor tubas. Now, if you're specifically wondering about *rotary valve* tenor tubas, as compared with *piston valve* tenor tubas, that's a much clearer question.

I think Roger Bobo would disagree with you...

Sometimes the euphonium stands apart from the way I like to think about brass instruments! And further, to be complete in my true confessions, I have to say I also feel the same way about the British Eb tuba, which is really a bass euphonium.

I suppose after a statement like that I should give some reasons. I frequently find both the Euphonium and the British Eb tuba to be monochromatic, lacking in dynamic elasticity, and always pretty; it’s pretty in pp and it’s pretty in ff. This is not the way God created sound! The human voice, string instruments and most other brass instruments become richer in their ratio of harmonics as they get louder. Not euphonium and the British Eb tuba; they just stay pretty! I can remember my frustrations in my symphony days when we were playing works with tenor tuba and a euphonium was playing the tenor tuba parts; as the brass section would get louder and the general timbre would get more exciting the euphonium just stayed pretty. It’s this same reason that in euphonium/tuba ensembles, the euphoniums quite usually can’t keep up with the tubas in dynamic energy.

Read the rest:
http://www.rogerbobo.com/musical_articl ... ions.shtml" target="_blank" target="_blank

I understand Mr. Bobo's point, having owned a Besson BBb comp tuba my self. I agree. But that's the whole point -- that is a fundamental aspect of the British concept of brass tonality, especially in brass bands.

[PMeuph]

I understand Mr. Bobo's point, having owned a Besson BBb comp tuba my self. I agree. But that's the whole point -- that is a fundamental aspect of the British concept of brass tonality, especially in brass bands.

I think Roger Bobo's reaction was due to the fact that 1. Euphoniums are really common in North America as substitutes to the tenor tuba. 2. More and more tubists use the Besson Eb in orchestral settings.

From what I read in the article and from a conversation with one of his close acquaintances, I don't think he opposes the whole "Brtish sound" just the speific use of "British sounds" in orchestral settings...

Ask yourself this question: How would the Ride, or the Fountains sound on a Besson Eb or Bb?

[arpthark]

How would the Ride, or the Fountains sound on a Besson Eb or Bb?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyViqSdAbJo&t=1m32s" target="_blank

[Tubadork]

I'm most likely not going to use my personal horn for marching but rather an Army issued horn. Euphoniums tend to be put on the right side of the formation due to the right facing bell. I'm not gonna mess with that. I do though for Concert band, small ensembles, and solo work, want to look at other options. Anyone here own an Alex 151?[/quote]

Hey man,
if I may, as an active duty Vet, make a comment. There is a saying in the Army that says something like, a nail that sticks out, gets hammered down. I found it to be far different from any musical ensemble that I have played for (professional, community, university etc..) or any movie I have seen about the Army (esp. Stripes). The best way to get on in active duty is to not make too many waves. I have a feeling that a tenor tuba just might make those waves for you at work.

Something to consider, and BTW there are some days that I wish I would have followed my own advice.

All of that aside, I owned a Miraphone 56A and I didn't care for the sound. The sound was a bit thinner than a Wilson, the intonation was ok, but not something I wanted to invest the time in and I sold it a few years back.

I know two people (pros) that are very happy with their Alexander's, but I have not played one. I do have a Chinese tenor tuba on order, not sure when it will be delivered, but if you send me a PM i can give you a review when it gets here. If you want another opinion on it you can look here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=45695" target="_blank" target="_blank

hope that helps and good luck man,
Bill

[MartyNeilan]

How would the Ride, or the Fountains sound on a Besson Eb or Bb?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyViqSdAbJo&t=1m32s" target="_blank" target="_blank

Argh, Beat me to it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyViqSdAbJo

[PMeuph]

How would the Ride, or the Fountains sound on a Besson Eb or Bb?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyViqSdAbJo&t=1m32s" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Argh, Beat me to it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyViqSdAbJo

Now that I re-read my post I can see what I forgot to tag-on to the end of my rhetorical question...

Please read it like this: How would the Ride, or the Fountains sound on a Besson Eb or Bb in the context of an American orchestra?

Hypothetically, could you imagine John Fletcher subbing in Arnold Jacobs on the CSO Low brass excerpt CD?

[MartyNeilan]

Please read it like this: How would the Ride, or the Fountains sound on a Besson Eb or Bb in the context of an American orchestra?

Hypothetically, could you imagine John Fletcher subbing in Arnold Jacobs on the CSO Low brass excerpt CD?

Yes, and it would sound darn good (although different.)

[Bob Kolada]

I wish people on the internet would stop making **** up and pretending it's the most important thing in the world.
How about that English kid rocking out on Prokofiev R&J in his orchestra? He's beating the snot out of most American kids on their contrabass tubas. Maybe we should all play 981's instead of worrying about sonic differences most of us aren't able to make in the first place.