How do you "test-drive" a tuba?

[Sally Larsen]

A friend has given me the opportunity to compare an older model St. Pete with a brand new one. Can you give me any suggestions on how to thoroughly check out unfamiliar horns? I play a decrepit 3-valve, so everything is an improvement. I'll be using my 17 yr. old son as a co-tester. He is everything I am not (6'2", athlete, All-State tubist with an awesome pedal range) so feel free to challenge us.
Sally (someday I'll buy my own tuba, but not yet)Larsen

[jmerring]

I really don't think you can make a fair comparison between the two, due to the pre-existing thought that you have a 3 valve piece of crap (I think that's the quote). As you said; anything would be an improvement. Having said that, I think that the newer horn (is this for a possible purchase?) should be played low and slow, up chromatically for at least 2 octaves, starting from F (4 lines down). Get the horn warmed up and then check against a good tuner. You should be able to play all notes with only a reasonable amount of slide pulling. As far as having a co-tester..great; a second set of ears. You can play the horn for each other, getting a feel for it as it responds for YOU. Also; it goes without saying that you should try to overblow the horn. A good one will not overblow at all - or very, very little. Check response to very soft playing: is the core sound still there? Use both set of ears and lungs (hopefully, not at the same time) to really road test the horn.

[RRW]

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[Mark E. Chachich]

This is how I like to test drive tubas.

First and foremost, I know why I am testing a tuba (eg. for fun, to buy, evaluating for another tubist, etc...). I have an idea about the type of playing I (or the person I am evaluating the tuba for) would do with this tuba and the type of sound that is desired.

a.) scales (nice long notes), mf, no extreme range. I look for a good response, sound quality, even sound and intonation (especially in the open octaves), If the tuba fails here, it fails.

b.) same as above, moving into extremes of range and dynamics

c.) I have some solos and excerpts that I know without the music, this allows me to concentrate on the tuba and not the music
Note, this is not the time or place to learn or practice the VW, Kraft, etc...

d.) if possible I play the tuba with at least one other person, this is determined by why and where I am testing the tuba

And for students, talk with your teacher about the tuba (and tubas in general).

good hunting,
Mark