Questions tagged [tuba]
For questions related to the tuba, the largest and lowest pitched brass instrument. Questions may also include the brass tag.
20
questions
9
votes
1
answer
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Tuba, 4th valve extension?
I use a three valve tuba, but have been playing around with 3d printing an 'extension' to replace the main tuning slide with another valve that could direct the air flow through a longer pipe, just ...
- 93
8
votes
1
answer
757
views
One tuba for everything: CC or F?
I'd like to buy a single tuba which will last the rest of my life. I'm trying to decide on which key: CC, or F.
I've only played BBb tubas before, and that was 15 years ago. I want to play ...
- 279
3
votes
5
answers
513
views
Is it a bad idea to learn tuba and trombone at the same time?
My 12-year-old son's new tuba instructor told us that it was a terrible idea to learn trombone while learning tuba. I am not familiar with the brass instrument. So is there truth to it?
- 33
6
votes
3
answers
326
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How should I think when I arrange music for tuba AND electric bass?
I'm arranging a lot of music at the moment, and I find it difficult to combine tuba and electric bass. For most parts, I just make them equal with very few exceptions. For example, I do make them ...
- 1,398
4
votes
1
answer
165
views
Trouble playing the tuba on the edge of the seat
I'm currently learning how to play the tuba in school, and I'm finding it extremely difficult to sit at the edge of the seat like I'm supposed to due to the weight of it. If I sit on the edge, I have ...
- 143
1
vote
1
answer
729
views
Tuba = valved bugle? I thought it was trumpet
Okay I was watching a video about what a tuba is and in the video somebody said that a tuba essentially is a bugle but with valves because of the conical bore and it being a whole tube instrument able ...
- 6,160
4
votes
6
answers
5k
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Can an Eb Bass/Tuba play in both treble and bass without changing valve positions?
I'm going to be moving instruments at both Church and School next year. I was playing Baritone and will be moving to Eb Bass/Tuba. At church I will be playing treble clef and at school I will be ...
- 41
5
votes
3
answers
780
views
How to "bring together the band" when playing tuba?
I have been playing trombone for 1 year but recently my band teacher has been having me learn to play the tuba because we don't have a tuba player yet. He told me that its my job to "bring the band ...
- 53
2
votes
2
answers
8k
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How to reach the lower notes on a B-flat tuba?
(Please note the following assumes the British brass band convention of transposing to C in treble clef, e.g. when I say C, I really mean B-flat.)
I am learning to play the B-flat tuba. The "core ...
- 43
0
votes
1
answer
581
views
How should tuba valve springs of different size be reassembled?
I finished cleaning my tuba, but I'm not sure where the springs go. I know they go into the valve but they are all different sizes ranging from largest to smallest. Does it matter what order they are ...
5
votes
1
answer
182
views
Why are we told to hold keys down while tuning?
While I tune my Tuba, on multiple occasions my sectional coach has called my section out becuase we do not hold down the keys aligned to the tunning slides of the key we are tuning. Is there a reason ...
- 153
5
votes
2
answers
779
views
How to disassemble a tuba for cleaning
When I remove the valves of a piston tuba, do I remove the spring also?
17
votes
7
answers
15k
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Why is it common to write tuba sheet music in concert pitch?
I play E♭ tuba in a wind orchestra, and we always get the notes written in concert pitch, and we have to logically "transpose" to the instrument key on the fly.
How common is this approach? ...
- 3,844
7
votes
4
answers
738
views
What instrument is this?
I thought it was a tuba, and it sounds like one, but looking around for pictures it seems the tuba is a smaller instrument. Is this an unusual type of tuba, or what?
- 173
9
votes
2
answers
5k
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Sousaphone for child
My grandson is in love with the Tuba. I wish everyone that loves that instrument could see him. He walks around air playing it all the time. He is a great big Georgia Bulldog fan and especially ...
- 91
5
votes
3
answers
3k
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What techniques improve general ability to play fast runs on a tuba?
I play Tuba, so I don't have very many fast runs in orchestra arrangements, but there are occasionally small passages that can be challenging. I want to improve my general ability to handle such ...
- 3,844
7
votes
3
answers
10k
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How to clean a tuba thoroughly
A tuba is quite large, and can be quite a challenge to clean thoroughly on both inside and outside. I need some good advice on how to do this properly without harming the mechanisms.
- 3,844
4
votes
2
answers
599
views
Importance of cleaning a tuba regularly?
I am wondering if a dirty tuba affects sound in a great deal. Not regarding if it shines or not on the outside, but as oil residue etc. build up in the valve canals and stuff like that. The pipes and ...
- 3,844
12
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What are good techniques to bend notes on brass instruments
I play Eb tuba, and sometimes I come across bending down in my notes - either as an effect at the end of a note, or sometimes as a slide between two notes. I find this difficult to achieve with a good ...
- 3,844
5
votes
2
answers
1k
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Finger techniques when playing valve brass instrument
I am playing Eb tuba with 4 valves (4th at my right hand pinky). Usually I have my fingers more or less straight out over the valves, resulting in the tips for all other than the pinky is sticking out ...
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