Tuba BASSics

[Arbeegee]

I had a great time playing Eb in high school, decades... and decades... ago, but surprisingly, had absolutely no interest in tuba mechanics. Nor were such things ever taught - I bet not even today. Only now as a bornagin have I discovered via TubeNet or deduced fascinating things about my horn.
Like, the valves just add (wrapped up) horn lengths to produce different notes, similar to pipe organ lengths. Of course.
Like, the 4rth valve turned my Eb into a Bb.
Like the horn is an Eb because it naturally plays Eb when open, which I suspected.
Like, all open notes are Eb: or Bb, C, F on their respective horns.
Actually that last one is not correct. But it is almost correct.
Why almost?

And why only Bb, C, Eb, & F tubas? Presumably because they best dovetail with the key of other instruments or music? That's why there are no G or E or Fb tubas? But then you'd think a note is a note regardless of where it comes from. Convention?

Inquiring minds just gots to know.
Cheers,
RBG

[tylerferris1213]

I can't explain it as technically as other people, but I can help a little. On BBb tubas, the lowest open note in the bugle is a Bb. For a CC tuba, it's C, and so on for other tubas. The other open notes are part of an overtone series. I'll use a BBb tuba as an example because that is the one almost everyone plays/has played before. So the lowest practical note is the pedal Bb, then an octave up to the Bb located under the 2nd ledger line under the staff. The next open note is up a perfect 5th to the F under the bass clef staff. Then up a perfect 4th to the next Bb. Then a major 3rd to the D. Then a minor 3rd to F. Then up a perfect 4th to the high Bb that sits above the bass clef staff. There is a note that can be hit between the high(er) F and Bb, but it's more of a false tone than a real note. This series of open pitches can be transferred to any key of tuba by going up the intervals of an octave, 5th, 4th, 3rd,3rd, and 4th.

Now about tubas only being made in certain keys, you are mostly right. BBb, CC, Eb, and F are the most common keys because they are most in demand. BBb and Eb tubas are preferred in European bands and brass bands. CC and F tubas are used in a large majority of American symphony orchestras. The Eb and F tubas are also used as solo instruments. Some tubists have used other instruments that suited their needs better, though. Roger Bobo was known to use a G tuba.

I hope this answered some of your questions.

[Arbeegee]

Thanks for that info, tylerferris1213. As an exercise, I'm going to try to transpose as you have explained to my Eb. But not being a trained musician, may need to investigate ubiquitous but still slightly mysterious - if not embarrassing - to me concepts like perfects, majors and minors... However the good news is I can play a note if I see it on the page...

RBG

[Pat S]

the good news is I can play a note if I see it on the page

Amen, brother!

[PMeuph]

....There is a note that can be hit between the high(er) F and Bb, but it's more of a false tone than a real note. This series of open pitches can be transferred to any key of tuba by going up the intervals of an octave, 5th, 4th, 3rd,3rd, and 4th.

This is referred to as the harmonic series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonic_s ... 28music%29" target="_blank

The beauty of the harmonic series is that the intervals decrease as it goes up. Ignoring the 7th partiel, makes you lose that important aspect. (after the two thirds Major, then Minor, you have a flat minor third, then a major second, etc)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonic_s ... le_systems" target="_blank

Also, even though very few people ever use the 7th partial in the harmonic series, calling it a false tone is not correct. False tones belong to another harmonic series.

As a side note, on a wonky besson euph that I played on in college (a medium hank horn from the 70's) I used 3rd valve to play the high f on occasion. (Using the 7th partial of the G series) I know it's not "standard" practice, but it still exists. Trombone players use this harmonic series for alternative as they can adjust it. (high f in 3rd and 1/2 position is great)

[Wes Krygsman]

Best description of the harmonic series I've heard...(not sure if this is the right part, but it's from the Leonard Bernstein Harvard lecture #1)
Vid 1
http://youtu.be/8n3qMB6AD_0
Vid 2
http://youtu.be/iDTj6tBnHlA