Posted by lk on August 15, 2001 at 15:30:08:
In Reply to: Re: EEb vs. BBb posted by As I understand it... on August 15, 2001 at 13:43:20:
an e-flat tuba is another type of bass tuba, as is the f tuba. the BB-flat is a contrabass tuba. (you may know this already!) both horns are commonly used in British-style brass bands.
now, most people will begin, at least here in the States, on a contrabass tuba. in Europe, etc, however, many begin on bass tuba. (Someone please correct me if I am wrong.)
E-flat tubas are becoming much more popular as solo instruments these days, many professionals are playing them more often as well. so, e-flat tubas being "bass" tubas, are used more often for solo work (i.e. higher playing), than a contra.
Tim is basically correct on the range classifications... for the range issue, if the range is not present on a contrabass tuba, it will not likely come any easier simply because a bass tuba is smaller. i think this is a popular misconception (which i incidentally learned the hard way!) having essential airflow on a larger horn is a must to begin, and playing the smaller horn is an entirely different monster that takes development once basic "large horn" fundamentals are in place. (if one were to begin on bass tuba however, i can imagine the same would hold true pedagogically, only in reverse.)
If reading treble clef e-flat tuba music, (as in a brass band), then the fingerings are the same as trumpet. otherwise, they are only the same if you were to transpose... i.e., take a bass clef part and read it in treble clef adding three sharps. I strongly advise against this, it is a terrible habit to kick once you get started!!!
i hope i've made some sense! please someone more knowledgable correct anything i have misled on!