tuba for college method class?

[quinterbourne]

At our school, they rent the instruments for these classes. They make students pay $30, and the rental lasts for about 1 1/2 to 2 months. The school heavily subsidizes the rental of these instruments.

How long is your method course? If it's only a few months, or less, you're better off just renting an instrument. I certainly wouldn't buy one... that's just crazy.

[SplatterTone]

I take it that this is for the class to be used by the class, 'cause I'm thinking you got your own tuba dontcha? If so, then here is a bigger tuba, with 4 valves, for about the same price. I don't know how it sounds.

If it's for a class, to be used by the class, I recommend you get the biggest thing possible with a real soup bowl of a mouthpiece. Instill proper respect and awe (if not "Shock and Awe" -- remember that?) for those who play it well.

http://www.wwbw.com/Barrington-4-4-Pist ... 5964.music

[quinterbourne]

I take it that this is for the class to be used by the class, 'cause I'm thinking you got your own tuba dontcha? If so, then here is a bigger tuba, with 4 valves, for about the same price. I don't know how it sounds.

If it's for a class, to be used by the class, I recommend you get the biggest thing possible with a real soup bowl of a mouthpiece. Instill proper respect and awe (if not "Shock and Awe" -- remember that?) for those who play it well.

http://www.wwbw.com/Barrington-4-4-Pist ... 5964.music

Ok, if you're talking about purchasing tubas for your students taking a tuba method class...

I would seriously love to see some string and piano players to attempt to manage a large 4/4 four valve BBb tuba with a large mouthpiece. They will be breathing in between every singe note, even quarter notes. You won't instill respect and awe... you will just end up with a bunch of students that can't play a single note. There will probably never be enough time to have them learn the fourth valve (and they will certainly not be able to play below low e). Intonation of the low C and B won't really be an issue - since they won't be playing in any ensembles - just make them aware that those notes are sharp. I doubt half of them will even be able to hold the instrument (especially flute players who are used to holding such little weight). The large instruments will be too difficult for the students to transport, so they will end up never practicing outside of classes. I'm sure the clarinet method class doesn't start their students on 3 1/2 reeds, because if they did no student would get any sound whatsoever throughout the entire term.

What you need to give them is a small bore 3/4 BBb tuba with a mouthpiece quite shallow, with a not-too-wide diameter and a fairly wide rim.

[SplatterTone]

They will be breathing in between every singe note, even quarter notes

I believe the originator of the question knows quite a few things about tuba playing. It's always unfortunate when somebody takes something that was clearly intended not to be taken entirely seriously and makes a big deal of it. However, as long as the statements were made, perhaps a little cleaning up of the science is in order here.

Whistles run on air. Tubas run on vibration. Bigger tubas do not equate to more air required. Smaller mouthpieces make it easier for the untrained player to get the vibration while wasting less air to do it. The mouthpiece that fits a tuba is determined by the receiver, not by the size of the tuba. As the owner of 3/4 size and a 4/4 size, I can assure you that they both take exactly the same amount of air to play with a given mouthpiece. And, having heard virtuoso players sustain long passages on large tubas, I have not concluded their lung capacity is three times mine; rather, they can vibrate their lips with greater efficiency and control than I can. A thorough perusal of the Tubenet articles will turn up numerous testimonies of people with large tubas remarking how little air it took to play them.

If the purpose is indeed to instruct those who will later instruct others, then presenting them with a 4/4 size might have value. If the purpose is to let them know what is required to play a tuba, then let them know!

Now, the part about the soup bowl mouthpiece: OK. Yeah, I was just kidding there. For all who took it seriously and ordered a soup bowl mouthpiece, my apologies. Please cancel your order and get a smaller mouthpiece.

[clintontuba2]

I believe I am familiar with the school you are speaking of, and I do not understand why you would be intrested in purchasing the V&E as a substitute to the St. Petersburg? i think the st. petes are perfect for the purpose they serve there.

[SplatterTone]

I just came across this. It seems logical to conclude that if they make good ceiling fans, they ought have good tubas too.

Hunter Bbb 3/4 Tuba 3 Valve lacquer with Case



http://www.musiciansbuy.com/Hunter_Bbb_ ... 6480L.html