If you could design your own tuba...

[loran]

I would design smth like this Cerveny F Tuba with 6 rotary valves

[Ken Crawford]

Ok somebody will probably steal my idea but that's ok I'm not about to open my own tuba factory.

So why not built a modular tuba? Looking at some tubas there is really little difference in their 4/4 or 6/4 variants. So the customer would buy a valve section including everything but the body of the horn and then could purchase different size, finish, alloy bodies to go with the valve section. So you could have a 3/4, 4/4 and 6/4 CC tuba all that use the same valve section. Or F, Eb or BBb. Make piston and rotary versions interchangeable, so one day you could have a 6/4 rotary CC, the next you've got a 6/4 piston CC. You could own more tuba combinations for less than buying so many different tubas.

[bort]

I don't know man, that sounds like work... And tuba players are laaazy...

[Ken Crawford]

Looking at some tubas there is really little difference in their 4/4 or 6/4 variants.

Looking at, maybe not.
Measuring? Most definitely.

The pictures of tubas I was looking at when this genius idea dawned on me were the 4/4 and 6/4 BMB contra bass tubas. There doesn't appear any difference between them other than body size. I'm saying modular within a given key, not cross keys.

[PaulMaybery]

This is really intriguing. A valve section that could be mounted on various bodies. Well, Bort mentioned a few back how tuba players, at least some, are a bit lazy. So reconfiguring such variables could be a bit of a nightmare. But economically if you could have a 4/4 and 6/4 and save a couple of grand, would it be worth it? I suppose I would rather blow the money and have separate complete instruments, even if the valve sections were identical. I recall there was once a shop machine that was a combination drill press, table saw, lathe and sander. Set up time from one to the other was ridiculous, so most folks who had one, ditched them early on. "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should." Just saying.

But because this is essentially "brainstorming" every idea is valid. So knock yourself out and think outside the box.

[Tom]

RE: Interchangable valve sections...

Didn't Kalison actually do this at one time and market the horn that way?

[thejester10276]

This is really intriguing. A valve section that could be mounted on various bodies. Well, Bort mentioned a few back how tuba players, at least some, are a bit lazy. So reconfiguring such variables could be a bit of a nightmare. But economically if you could have a 4/4 and 6/4 and save a couple of grand, would it be worth it? I suppose I would rather blow the money and have separate complete instruments, even if the valve sections were identical. I recall there was once a shop machine that was a combination drill press, table saw, lathe and sander. Set up time from one to the other was ridiculous, so most folks who had one, ditched them early on. "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should." Just saying.

But because this is essentially "brainstorming" every idea is valid. So knock yourself out and think outside the box.

So if you could replace the valve section, I see a fully modular tuba, with every part in consideration. It could essentially be a tuba, but instead of having those soldered braces that hold everything together it could be screws instead. I could see using a smaller bell for travel/lighter, a different valve section for pitch etc. Depending on how much the manufacturers of these parts would cost, I agree with you that it could be an economic solution. The only problems I can foresee is possibly losing a screw, or you didn't tighten a screw well enough and when you're in a rehearsal you notice that theres a lot of rattling, but aside from that this would be really interesting to see.

[Mark E. Chachich]

For me it has already been done, the Alexander 163 CC tuba (mid 1970s vintage).

The Alexander 163 is the tuba that I made a significant amount of money playing whatever type of music paid. Back then I looked at music as a business and money talks in business. Now I play in a community band (for free) and my Alex still serves me well. In many ways I enjoy music (and my Alex and MW 32) more now.

best,
Mark

[Donn]

It could essentially be a tuba, but instead of having those soldered braces that hold everything together it could be screws instead.

At least a detachable bell, we already have that and every tuba player wants one.

[PaulMaybery]

I suppose a removable valve section, if so designed could be fitted on a cimbasso, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4 & 6/4 bodies. Perhaps even a Bombardon of the valved ophicleide style and one more step could be a helicon or sousaphone.

I assume various leadpipes would need to be designed as well that would fit the geometry.

It might also be interesting to have a bell that is removable from the large ferule where it joins the bottom bow (replaced with a collar and tenon) So the entire stact comes off. Various chokes on bells could then be sported. I'd love to have a solo bell for my BMB 6/4 F. (not just a smaller pancake, but a more slender taper in general.

Bells of various materials such as gold brass, carbon fiber, and also various thicknesses (gauge).

All of this is based on that money is of no issue.

[bort]

Side note -- why does this post display as though I was the one who created it? I didn't create it, just was the first to reply.

[sousaphone68]

Side note -- why does this post display as though I was the one who created it? I didn't create it, just was the first to reply.

the OP's account was deleted as a possible spammer after some unusual posts he is re registered again there was a post in the feedback forum about it.

[bort]

Side note -- why does this post display as though I was the one who created it? I didn't create it, just was the first to reply.

the OP's account was deleted as a possible spammer after some unusual posts he is re registered again there was a post in the feedback forum about it.

Ah, okay... thanks

[thejester10276]

Side note -- why does this post display as though I was the one who created it? I didn't create it, just was the first to reply.

the OP's account was deleted as a possible spammer after some unusual posts he is re registered again there was a post in the feedback forum about it.

Ah, okay... thanks

Yea I got hacked and someone used my account for spam, eh whatever I only had like 15 posts or so so I'll get there again

[tclements]

Large bore (.835), 6 rotors, CC, with a change valve to BBb, 6/4 BAT bell.....

[Three Valves]

What??

If I roll all the dents out, it will play flat!!