Converting a cc tuba to a bb

[pastordale]

How much trouble would it be if it is even possible to convert a cc to a bb tuba.

[PMeuph]

Something like this might be a quick and easy fix.

http://www.thevillagetinker.com/projects.htm" target="_blank

search "Miraphone CC to BBb slide conversion"

[pastordale]

What would have to be done to it, lengthen the tuning slides?

[jeopardymaster]

When I bought my 184 I was worried about learning to play a CC. So I ordered the conversion pipe. I still have it. It wasn't particularly effective - too much cylindrical pipe, maybe.

[PMeuph]

To get a CC to BBb you need to add 2 feet of tubing to the overall length and a certain amount to each slide.

You could figure out the amount to be added to each slide by subtracting the CC length from the BBb length as they are listed in this post:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=36275&hilit=franken ... 12#p318369" target="_blank

The only slide that might be problematic is the 4th slide as you have to add about 8 inches. Certain CC slides might not have that much pull.

Caveat emptor adding the necessary length of tubing might not yield good results. It might be easier to find a good used BBb rather then spending money on a new tuning slide that might or might not work... Your best bet is probably to contact on of the good techs on the board and get their honest opinions....

[toobagrowl]

It totally depends on the tuba. I have successfully done this to my CC tuba and use it as a CC/BBb 'double' tuba. What I did was cut 1" off both female and male 5th valve slide tube ends to bring it up to pitch, since it was a flat whole-step 5th valve. Cutting an inch off will raise the pitch 20 cents or so. After that, I had to pull all slides accordingly for proper pitch. I found out that the 1st and 5th slides are interchangeable on my M-W2155R, so I switched them. I have the 3rd slide pulled pretty much all the way out and have the 4th slides out 2" each. The second slide is pulled about 1.5". The 5th slide (with the first male slide in it) is all the way in and the valve is depressed with a hard rubber stop to make it play in BBb. There is enough wiggle room to play up to at least A=441 if needed, and plenty of room to pull since there are 2 main tuning slides in BBb mode. I use the top main slide (5th slide) for fine tuning a few pitches and installed a stop to catch the short slide from coming out as I pull it.
Intonation is actually better as a BBb - I only have to pull for a few notes: about an inch for all Eb's, low D and Db and that's it! The slurs and overall sound is smoother and a little easier to control too

But like I said - depends on the tuba

Shouldn't this be on the main board?

[thezman]

Given that CC generally cost more than BBb, I believe you'd be better off selling or trading your CC for a BBb.

(You might think its a good idea now, but when you're half way through you'll wish you didn't)

[iiipopes]

Because of the difference in conical versus cylindrical tubing proportions affecting intonation in ways not predictible, it is never a good idea. You will get the occasional tuba that by the luck of how the bows have been put together and the positioning of the bracing will work, but that is the exception, not the rule.

What was posted above: it is better to just learn the CC fingerings, or purchase a good BBb.

A couple of generations ago, BBb tubas were converted to CC tubas because there weren't that many CC tuba models available. Now the reverse is true. There are more CC tuba models available than intermediate to pro quality BBb models.

[J.c. Sherman]

I did a conversion once of a Yamaha YCB-661 where we flipped the 5th valve and changed the tuning. It could play as a BBb with an ascending whole tone valve, and it played quite well (and had a complete compass) or as a CC with a flat whole tone 5th (pulled out). I was proud of that one : )

But, this will rarely work. Only a few CCs will legthen with any ease, the rest will turn from good to CCs to so-so or poor BBbs.

J.c.S.

[J.c. Sherman]

Quite frankly, NO ONE with actual useful experience
doing this, regularly and well, will answer your question on this forum.

Definitions:

"actual useful experience" - has done this not simply because its interesting,
but (based on their past experience) honestly knows what they are doing
as well as the likelihood of success AND has continued to do such work

"regularly"-more than 2-3 times

"well"-better result than simply useful as a playable horn

b.t.w. this thread belongs somewhere other than the "For Sale" Forum

Yikes? I feel maligned!

Another example I forgot to mention; my alma mater had a lovely Alex 163 CC - one of the best. It had a factory made BBb crook for the main tuning slide. It was as good as any Alex BBb I've ever played!

I've done a bit of converting to different conversions, some unsightly, but all well functional. But this is a tricky one, and certain bore profiles make this a challenge. What made the Alex work well, IMHO, is that like the CC main tuning slide, this one was tapered throughout the length of the loop. With the exception of the Yamaha 661 and a small King, this has been my first rule of lengthening the instrument - conical tubing.

[Dan Schultz]

.... What about making a new leadpipe that is longer, using a tuning bit and then adding a couple inches on to the main slide. I'm thinking along the lines of a french horn crooks and the Eb slides for mellophones.

I guess a fellow could just shove some pieces of garden hose on that main slide and on the receiver. No new receiver required... just pop the mouthpiece into the rubber hose and give it a little push. No more pitch bending. Just put some hose clamps on and away you go.

Viola.... instant CC to BBb conversion!

Ian.... those cool curly horn slides don't work all that good, either.

[Brucom]

Which one is for sale?