Posted by dp on January 27, 2002 at 16:06:37:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Cerveny-Ziess f 4v For Sale posted by Matthew on January 24, 2002 at 22:48:36:
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for writing!
I am only recently starting to play on f tuba myself, but I will try to answer your questions and share some experience. I think I am like you, in that I have decent low chops on my CC's but lack confidence above middle C ( first-ledger-line C above the staff) Right now for me, the best benefit I get from the f is when I am consistent in my daily practice sessions at home (hard to do because I work 50-60 hours a week plus have ensemble rehearsals 3 nights a week.) Where I incorporate the f right now is at the end of my practice routine, after I am thoroughly warmed up (but not "played out"!) and I work on three-note patterns and scales up to what is a comfortable range on the f. What I am getting when I do this consistently is a very incremental increase in my upper range on CC tuba, BUT I have picked up a major third in my practice-room range since thanksgiving, and expect with time that'll translate into worry-free playing in the more treble register. You're right in noting that simply buying an f won't do a thing for your solo-rep, you WOULD still have to play it!
This Ziess is a nice little f, and I like it's sound and playing characteristics better than a lot of older f's which can cost like near a thousand bucks more. I bought it from Ike Harris (another Tubenet BBS'er) in the Nashville area last year. Chuck Jackson (another BBS'er)in Las Vegas plays one just like it also, he had Lee Stoffer put a 5th valve on it and is really happy with his. This Ziess was made by Cerveny and is pretty much the same type open-4th valve f they sell now. Its a GREAT horn for high orchestra stuff like the Berlioz Benvenutto Cellini Overture my Saratoga Symphony did last year.
To use words others have used about this style horn, it does have some oinky notes around the Dflat C and B below the bass staff, and for people who insist on using big mouthpieces intonation is funny sometimes, but like I said with a properly-selected MP it is a very adequate first f with a different-enough character of sound that if you're in a big school you will be asked to use it in high orchestra stuff. Solos? I don't know the solo rep at all, wish I could help there. There is no case for it, nor a gig bag, I generally use Amtrak for shipping, and at this price I am really a little leery about "trial periods" and the like. Like the web page said, a little attention
to cleaning and a proper solder repair to a weak ferrul (the one right after the valve body, before the tuning slide), maybe even a 5th valve if you want to experiment with getting better low range, and it'll serve you really well, SPECIALLY as an Ed. major!
I'm getting anxious to sell, so am open to offers, you can talk with your teacher at school about it and see what they think, also if you have any other questions or want some additional referral to the horn, I'll be happy to reply!
Thanks again for your enquiry!
Dale