Receiver assy

[Kevin Hendrick]

Does anyone else out there think that this might be dangerous?

In the event of an accident, it could be very dangerous -- not only the metal parts, but the PVC part as well (if it's not properly secured in the back seat).

I actually would prefer that if you can't be disuaded from doing something like this, that at least you continue to use something that will cause less trauma to your body than metal.

I'd also suggest using a plastic mouthpiece instead of a metal one. They're much lighter, and less mass = less momentum = less damage to you if there is an accident. Tone quality, in this instance, really is a side issue -- you're not going to be playing this in public, after all.

[Joe Baker]

Disclaimer: I have no words of criticism for Henry. In fact, his earlier comments have me seriously considering doing something similar (but just a couple feet of coiled tubing, so I can still buzz tunes rather than an overtone series).

However, to comment on just what the risk is from the equipment: if the PVC pipe is properly glued together and properly secured, it becomes of little concern. The mouthpiece is the dangerous part. A lexan MP is surely safer when you hit a pothole or speedbump (and more comfortable) than a brass one; but even a lexan MP could do some SERIOUS damage if an airbag deploys with the MP between you and it. I'd be extremely leary about using this in traffic. Seems safe enough on open road or while sitting at a light, or in the car waiting for the kids, etc. though. As distractions go, shouldn't be any worse than singing.
___________________________
Joe Baker, who thinks that this idea requires judicious use.

[Kevin Hendrick]

Joe Baker, who thinks that this idea requires judicious use.

Well said!

[Chuck(G)]

Apart from safety issues, I wonder if I'd want to endure getting pulled over on a regular basis. Surely, most cops will view this as some sort of drug paraphenalia.

Chuck "who once got pulled over by a cop who saw him leave a pet shop with a mouse (for his wife's pet snake) in a jar"(G)

[corbasse]

Around here doing something like this would be illegal. Anything which keeps you from being able to use both hands on the controls of your car is.
You could even get a ticket for eating or drinking behind the wheel while driving. (Never heard of anyone actually getting one though.)

[Getzeng50s]

why not just buzz in the car?? get a visualizer and buzz man. buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[corbasse]

Couldn't you simply get a berp? Or do you specifically want to practice overtone series/hunting horn calls (or maybe you have valves installed as well;))?

[tubafour]

Around here doing something like this would be illegal. Anything which keeps you from being able to use both hands on the controls of your car is.
You could even get a ticket for eating or drinking behind the wheel while driving. (Never heard of anyone actually getting one though.)

Something tells me this is a good idea. I know if I even think about anything other than driving I start to gradually swerve onto and off of the road.

What ever happened to simply poppin' in a CD? That sounds pretty wacky, man. If it floats your boat, go for it though.

Josh "I wonder if playing a tuba while driving is illegal in Belgium?" Stanley

[corbasse]

What ever happened to simply poppin' in a CD? That sounds pretty wacky, man. If it floats your boat, go for it though.

Josh "I wonder if playing a tuba while driving is illegal in Belgium?" Stanley

There are plenty of brass players who buzz on their mouthpiece in their car while commuting. Attaching 32 ft. of garden hose to the mouthpiece is something else, but hey, it's a free country Go ahead, as long as you don't crash into someone else while doing it.

Playing tuba while driving is probably illegal here as well, but I'd like to do it just once to see the look on the faces of my fellow commuters. Although I could do other stuff to get a similar reaction and not get a $130 fine. (Well, due to the outrageousness of it it would probably become an appearance in court, a $600 + fine and temporary loss of my driving licence:shock:)

Shame I can't get out of first gear with a tuba on my lap

[ThomasDodd]

Shame I can't get out of first gear with a tuba on my lap

Borrow a friend's car, one with an automatic transmission


I may have to try this now....

Need to talk to a sherrif I know. Make sure he knows the what, when, and why. Try to save myself a ticket

[Anterux]

My 2 cents:

dont do it. it is more dungerous then we imagine. the risk doesn't pay.
If to buzz well you have to pay attention to the buzzing 2 things can happen:
1- you pay attention to your buzz, and not to the road. terrible things can happen...
2- you pay attention to the road and not to the buzz. not good. maybe a waste of effort.

What you (we) need is an AUTO PILOT divice.

[corbasse]

My 2 cents:

...
If to buzz well you have to pay attention to the buzzing 2 things can happen:
1- you pay attention to your buzz, and not to the road. terrible things can happen...
2- you pay attention to the road and not to the buzz. not good. maybe a waste of effort.

My thoughts exactly. Before getting serious in playing, I used to watch tv while playing scales (can't call it practicing). In retrospect this was a huge waste of time.
Nowadays I always practice with 100% focus on the practice. If I get distracted, I do something else for a while and get back to the instrument when I can give it my full attention.