Low range mpc for 188?

[bort]

Wow, thanks for all the input everyone, sorry I didn't get to check back in sooner. A few things in here I want to try, so thanks for the pointers.

Regarding the low register of the 188, it's certainly a known quantity for me, and I know exactly what it is and isn't. Just looking for something that might help take a little of the work out of it, or at least not be counterproductive to my efforts.

Thanks!

[joh_tuba]

A well adjusted clean 188 is capable of a very deadly low end.

Sure, try a few mouthpieces, but I would also encourage you to listen very critically to the quality/character of the sound the 188 WANTS to produce. The 188 is not a 6/4 tuba and any effort to produce a 6/4esque sound on it will result in a marked loss of resonance, projection and efficiency.

[bort]

A well adjusted clean 188 is capable of a very deadly low end.

Sure, try a few mouthpieces, but I would also encourage you to listen very critically to the quality/character of the sound the 188 WANTS to produce. The 188 is not a 6/4 tuba and any effort to produce a 6/4esque sound on it will result in a marked loss of resonance, projection and efficiency.

Well, I certainly have no expectation (nor desire) for a 6/4 sound from this tuba. Still a good idea, and I completely believe in NOT fighting the tuba, which is actually one big reason I like the 188 so much (the tuba and I both work well together).

I'll give a few things a try and post some results here when I can!

[iiipopes]

If you have superior breath support, the Wick 1L. It will give a big, wide, velvety tone to the low register, but its wide throat takes a lot of air.

[Norm in Bellevue]

It may seem counterintuitive, but the Miraphone Rose Solo TU-27 produces a very easy and loud low range on my 188. But for a rounder sound, I'm back to playing with my PT-50. I just have to work a little harder.

[bort]

Thanks Norm... actually, I use a TU-27 about 90% of the time, it works great with the horn!

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Third page of the thread. Is it time yet for the obligatory post about how that Eb on a Bb or C tuba isn't a "pedal tone"?

On a more helpful note, you might consider working on the Tommy Johnson "pedal shift" technique. I use it on C tuba up to around F# with pretty good results (those results being super loud volumes available).

[bort]

Third page of the thread. Is it time yet for the obligatory post about how that Eb on a Bb or C tuba isn't a "pedal tone"?

Busted.