Re: Tubas in swing bands


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Posted by Lee a. Stofer, Jr. on December 19, 1999 at 19:50:06:

In Reply to: Tubas in swing bands posted by Doug on December 17, 1999 at 22:19:59:


Doug,
It certainly can be done, and in some situations, is actually preferable to the string bass or electric. It is great to have the versatility to do both, as Joe S. and I do, but that isn't always feasible. String basses aren't cheap, and a good tuba player is better than a so-so bass player any day. I find that a bell-front BBb tuba works best for me, as I have a large lung capacity and an abiding distrust of electronic amplification for tubas. Also, the BBb gives the dark sound for me without my having to "beef it out", as someone else mentioned. It can be done well, but it takes a bit of preparation, too. I suggest listening to a band that sounds like what you want to, and practice sounding like that- a lot! You might be surprised what you can do!
-Lee Stofer


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