MP recommendation for A=438 Eb antique tuba

[tubajon]

Need a mouthpiece that might help raise my pitch a bit. Standard shank. I like the Curry 126DH. Any suggestions?

[iiipopes]

Shallower bowl.

[iiipopes]

Seriously. Do you want the tuba for antique value or playability value? If the former, don't worry about it. If the latter, bite the bullet and have one of the respected techs shorten the outer legs, and if necessary the inner legs, of the main tuning slide so you can actually play it.

Does the tuba have a good scale and octave alignment? If so, then it's worth doing, and probably should be done so the tuba can be played. If not, then it's not, and it can go back on the shelf. I've had both over the years.

[tubajon]

Ok. Thanks. Would like to be able to play this horn in community bands etc. Will have to save some pennies and have someone work on it.

[iiipopes]

What make and model tuba is it?

[tubajon]

Good question. "THE REGAL NEW YORK MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO." is engraved on the bell.

[iiipopes]

A quick google indicates a small company in business @ 1895 to @ 1955. Definitely a stencil. If you can post pix, the TNFJ might be able to i.d. it for you.

[royjohn]

To get to 444Hz, by my calculations, you need about an inch off each side of the main tuning slide. The Eb tuba is about 13 feet long, 444/438=1.013, and 1.3% of 13 feet is about two inches. Folks vary in their degree of squeamishness about taking on something like this, but it is pretty easy to take about 3/4 to 1 inch off each side of the main outer with a fine hacksaw blade or a cutoff disk on a mandrel on a dremel tool ($15 at your local pawn shop). True up as needed with a small flat file and cut off the inner slides if needed to match. Use some sandpaper to take off any burrs and make sure the grit is gone before putting it all back together.

Before undertaking anything like this, check the calculations and make sure you have room to get your tools in where they have to go. If you have any doubt about your abilities, take it to the local repair person. It ought to be a $30 repair taking 15 minutes or less. My guess would be that your local guy could give you an estimate over the phone.

[iiipopes]

It's not linear. It's geometric. So the amount to take off is L - 438^2/444^2(L).

[royjohn]

Hi Scott,

I'm not understanding this, where did you get this formula? I'm thinking wavelengthxfrequency=constant=1100ft/sec.

Best,
Roy