Posted by Matt G on June 25, 2003 at 21:39:28:
In Reply to: Re: Building a Tuba 'Stable'... posted by Lee Stofer on June 25, 2003 at 19:58:37:
I'm glad you mentioned and endorsed the old "Clorox Bottle" horns. I played one at Disney that had a few things done to it, most noticeably a first valve slide that could be pulled by the left hand like a typical "concert" tuba. It wasn't super loud, but it had a characteristic sound, great intonation thanks to the first valve slide adjustments, and a good false tone register. It was a Yamaha (the real suprise) and IMO played better than the brass ones we used. PLUS, it weighed less and didn't tire one out in 80 degree weather in December in a clown outfit!
The key to a good fiberglass sousa seems to be to get one with a good valveset. Something with a circa .730 bore and a valve layout you can switch the ferrules around on to make slide pulling easier.
Plus they don't dent and you can fix'em with stuff from NAPA.
Matt G