Re: Re: Finally got the tuba for my son


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TubeNet BBS ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Chris B on August 25, 2003 at 00:29:27:

In Reply to: Re: Finally got the tuba for my son posted by Gary Swart on August 20, 2003 at 22:08:59:

Binak has now come out with a slide lube that is compatible with their oils. Once you switch, you will realize how much petoleum fumes regualr oils give off. You are sucking this into your lungs whenever you inhale while playing. Binak offers a good compomise.

As to the real question, wait until the school year starts and then check with the band director to see if you can use the tuner. Start by tuning the Bb with no valves and use the main tuning slide to adjust that tone, then tune each each vale slide by playing a note which uses that valve only, and then adjust the slide to play in tune. This will give you a rough start and will be good enough for now. Later, you can fine tune the setttings. Don't worry too much if the notes seem to wander a bit. This is typical with a young player.

If you decide to invest in a tuner (not a huge $ amount) then learn by playing individual notes and watch the tuner to try to hold them steady and in tune. There will be some notes that will be out of tuen and one learns to "lip" them into place after a while. There are also systems that train the ear to learn to hear if a note is out of tune, but are not needed in the early stages of playing as the goal is to be able to play a note and learn to hold it at one pitch. Tuners are also handy to be sure you are playing the note you need to play. Get a chromatic one and not one designed for a guitar. Korg is one company that makes tuners. Sabine, Seiko and others also have them available. Check your local music store or Musician's Friend online and make sure you get one that can handle the low tones that tubas play. Some tuners can not register them.



Follow Ups: