All lengths in a BBb tuba

[Virtuoso]

Hello All,

The university's tuba that I have used for the last three years was just taken back from me, and I can't come anywhere close to being able to afford a tuba for my final year of college. SO, I've made the decision to fabricate my own tuba this summer out of PVC (having seen the moderate success of other plastic tubas). Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of what lengths of pipe to use where. That's where YOU come in--if anyone would know that off the top of their head, it would be the good folks of TubeNet.

Help a fella out?

Thanks,
David

[The Big Ben]

http://galvanizedjazz.com/tuba.html" target="_blank

[Virtuoso]

Thanks!

Not sure yet if that tells me what I need to know, but I'm looking through the excel sheet.

[Lectron]

Lots of pictures please

[Dan Schultz]

Good luck. Here's a place to start:

The open bugle (from the mouthpiece to the end of the bell is about 18 feet. The tuning circuits are roughly:

1st valve circuit = 26.7"
2nd valve circuit = 12.7"
3rd valve circuit = 39.3"
4th valve circuit = 69.3"

[imperialbari]

Are 1+2 longer than 3?

[Dan Schultz]

Are 1+2 longer than 3?

Don't get 'picky'. It's just a matter of rounding off larger decimals. What's a tenth, anyway?

[Donn]

I think you should make a washtub bass, and play the tuba parts on that.

[Donn]

Another possibility - a gentleman who passed through here at one point in his career (and who sadly has passed away), occasionally performed on an instrument he referred to as sordino desoto, actually an automobile muffler with tailpipe attached. A classic with a slight bend & flare at the end of the tailpipe is ideal, but if economy is paramount, I reckon any old muffler would do about as well. The only performance video I could find doesn't really make much of its possibilities, but it was clearly in the tuba family.

[TubaBob]

Bravo! Was that a Chinese muffler?

[Kevin Hendrick]

Bravo! Was that a Chinese muffler?

No ! De Soto was an all American brand !

Indeed it was:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeSoto_(automobile)

Mind you, if it had been a Cadillac muffler, he could have played the de Ville out of it (or even administered the Coupe de Grace)! Gotta watch the muffler bearings on Cads, though -- they brinnell easily ...

[Donn]

It might be a stretch to say it isn't possible. Since as Brian pointed out we don't seem to be asking for valves, I'd say the "American Anaconda" would be a good starting place:

[UDELBR]

I'd say the "American Anaconda" would be a good starting place

Shouldn't that be "American Standard Anaconda"?

[Dan Schultz]

I'd say the "American Anaconda" would be a good starting place

Shouldn't that be "American Standard Anaconda"?

I thought American Standard made

[Donn]

Don't think I'd want to try to play that.

[sloan]

You'll have to use Sloan valves...

[Kevin Hendrick]

I'd say the "American Anaconda" would be a good starting place

Shouldn't that be "American Standard Anaconda"?

I thought American Standard made

"It's a trap!"

[Virtuoso]

Thanks to all who responded--I didn't expect it to be a popular post. To those of you who have responded, either by PM or on this board, I should clarify--this isn't intended to be a permanent (or concert-oriented) instrument. Merely something to practice on until I have saved up enough to rent a good one for the school year.

For the doubters out there, yes, I do intend to go through with this, and in the short-term, too. The idea was suggested sarcastically by a trombonist who heard me complain. Unfortunately, I'm the type who will almost always do something if it's crazy enough. I'm also certain I'm crafty enough to fabricate my own valve set, so no I'm not "just dreaming."

Anyhow, thanks to you lot I now have all the information I need, and it's just a matter of acquiring the plumbing.

Cheers! I'll try to remember to update as soon as I get the first bit done.

[UDELBR]

Unfortunately, I'm the type who will almost always do something if it's crazy enough. I'm also certain I'm crafty enough to fabricate my own valve set, so no I'm not "just dreaming."

Go for it! Nothing as satisfying as disproving the doubters.

[Donn]

A remarkable achievement it will be, for sure. And as goodgigs will testify, that satisfaction will have to be your only reward. (Well, I don't know, I don't recall that he's ever discussed this aspect, maybe it's a chick magnet?)