Advice on F tubas

[thetubawizard]

Hi all,
After many years on contrabass tubas, mainly CC, I've decided to start saving up to buy my first bass tuba. I'm pretty sure I want an F tuba. My problem is, I have never played an F tuba. I would really appreciate your opinions on what I should look at and any advice on playing.

Thanks!

[chhite]

If you were successful in re-creating the sound in your head with your contrabass tuba, then employ the same method for finding your F tuba. Listen to recordings, attend recitals, research some players in your area and what they use. Develop a list of what you think you want in your instrument and use that list to line up the candidates. This will not be the final list, just something to get you started. Keep a journal of all your impressions and results to compare. Record yourself playing the same etudes, excerpts, whatever, and compare those recordings. Take a trusted set of ears that will give you a no-nonsense opinion. And don't take your cash/credit card to a first date. Don't be in a rush. Play as many horns as you can but keep focused on your expectation list. Amend your lists as needed until you have the sound in your head definable and quantifiable.

Best of luck with your search.

[k001k47]

Play on f tubas and buy one you like.

It's kind of like going from viola to fiddle: less neck to get around. Although, I dont know what the hell I'm talking about; I dont play string instruments.

[Roger Lewis]

My personal short list for F tubas would be (not necessarily in this order):

Miraphone Firebird
Miraphone Bel Canto (solo or symphony)
Miraphone Petruschka
Meinl Weston 2250
Meinl Weston 4450 or 4460
B&S Symphonie model (post WWII)
B&S JBL Classic (I own one of these)
B&S PT8
Gronitz piston or rotary F tubas
etc. etc. etc.

The Willsons and Yamahas don't work for me because of the sound that I prefer but might work for you.

This is MY list. Your preferences might lie in other directions.

Good luck on your quest.

Roger

[k001k47]

Also, a trip to the nearest music store - which has many tubas stocked - is valuable if you're ready to buy.

[thattubaguy]

I personally like vintage Alexanders (if you can find one,) kanstul F tubas (especially the big ones,) and I suggest that you be open to Eb tubas too, they are generally less expensive and old York, Martin, Keefer, conn, and king Ebs can be real treats. Just my personal opinions.

[k001k47]

...the nearest music store - which has many tubas stocked

Check for a set of ears while you're there. Mine are all broken, and my repairman cant fix em.

Any bass tuba is a good first bass tuba, really. Still waiting for my ticket back onto that boat . . .

[hubert]

It is my modest feeling that it makes a difference, whether you want to use it (also) for solo playing or (merely) for ensemble.
From Roger's list personnally I prefer the Petruschka for ensemble, the blending is magnificent. But you certainly should try MW and B&S for that as well.

For solo I would like to add the Adams to Roger's list.
But it all depends on your personal choice.
Succes,
Hubert

[thetubawizard]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I look forward to trying these horns out as soon as I get a chance. Hubert brought up a good point on what I planned to use an F for. I feel very comfortable using my PT20 with bigger ensemble so I really want an F for solo work and small ensembles like a quintet.