At one time, there was much activity on the topic of travel tubas. And some makers have really worked hard to fill an apparent niche in the market. But the topic has died down a bit. Maybe, everyone who wanted one and had the dollars has already bought one. Or maybe, there is a glut of unmet demand waiting for the next innovation that makes these a purchase that fulfills expectations.
Re-reading some posts, it got me thinking, is the travel tuba a solution in search of a problem? A true niche product or a novelty that caught our attention?
I think we've seen people exclaim great for travel, as designed or with a mute, in a pinch okay for a small ensemble, small and light for someone who needs a smaller instrument...and it goes on. I have to laugh at comparisons to tenor tubas and cimbassos, good for jazzing, etc...sounds like rationalization after the fact. But some honestly say, "Hey, it's just fun!"
What are some of the alternatives? And what are the costs? (in no particular order)
For the one who actually travels and needs to stay in shape:
- * Drive, if you can.
- * Buzz on a mouthpiece, and leave the tubas at home. FREE! And probably good for us!
- * Use your time for listening, score study with recordings. FREE!
- * Buy a real flight case and insure the instrument for reals. $400-$1000
- * Buy a cheapo horn you don't care so much about and check it. $500-$2000 + baggage fees.
- * Make TubeNet friends, and set up a jam session at your destination. AirT&E! FREE!
- * Buy a Piggy or other smallish 3/4 or even 1/2 size model. $1000-$3000
- * Switch to F or Eb. $2K-$5K. I see old 3 valve Fs for cheap from time to time.
- * Consider a switch to Euphonium for band stuff, if you can be spared from the bass role.
I suppose if someone is just itching, a travel tuba fits the bill. Yet there are other ways to spend cash.
- * Take a few lessons with your idols. (Though a lesson with Mr. Jacobs might be a higher cost than you're willing to incur.)
- * Buy an instrument that ADDS to your pallet, which you can employ in actual performance: cimbasso, tenor tuba, euph, bass bone...
- * Take up an electronic wind instrument.
What's your current thinking on travel tubas or other hot horn topics?