Q for tuba/euph players doubling on tenor 'bone

Alex F · Post by **Alex F** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:35 pm

For you tuba or euph players who double on tenor trombone...

In terms of being able to switch from one to the other readily (tuba/euph to 'bone and back), do you prefer a small, intermediate. or larger bore trombone?

Does your answer differ if the gig calls for playing either 'bone or tuba but not both?

Arkietuba · Post by **Arkietuba** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:58 pm

I play what some people call a "pea-shooter". I play on a 40 yr old Olds Ambassador tenor t-bone and I have no problems swithching from tuba to t-bone so long as I keep playing each one fairly often. I mainly just do jazz (maybe a little funk) on the t-bone. I have had no problems with tone (many of my peers and even professional trombonists have said that I have a professional "jazz" sound).

Arkietuba · Post by **Arkietuba** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:27 pm

Jared wrote:Arkietuba,
i fixed your avatar

Thanks...

Mudman · Post by **Mudman** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 12:18 am

At first I used to worry alot about switching horns. Now I just play the horn and mouthpiece that works. I might buzz one or two notes on the mouthpiece before switching horns, but basically it is a matter of changing gears and just playing each instrument the way it should be played.

You may not sound as clean as Alessi, but part of the fun is taking risks and going for it. By doing it frequently, you will be able to make the switch instantly. Bottom line, if you want to be the absolute best at one instrument, you should probably not double. It is possible to be good (compotent, employable, excellent) at a variety of instruments if you just practice switching, approaching each axe with the correct mental focus and concept. Chances are if you do this, you will not be in the top 1% that will win an orchestral gig. But for the rest of us, have at it! Inner concept is key.

Carroll · Post by **Carroll** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 8:51 pm

I tend to do doubling on my lead jazz trombone (King 3B - Bach 7C mouthpiece) but just because the guy who hires me to play combo jobs expects the sound he has heard in big band. I use a big mouthpiece on my euphonium and end up playing about half the combo stuff on it. The trumpet player uses his flugel when I play euph. If it is more of a ballad crowd, we use the conicals more. Just play each horn like you practiced it and go.