Posted by GC on June 28, 2003 at 23:44:10:
In Reply to: Tips for 30 year comeback posted by Jonathan Schwartz on June 27, 2003 at 21:16:18:
I came back 2-1/2 years ago after a 26-year layoff. I made the mistake of buying a really huge horn and trying to switch to CC in one shot. My problems with using a horn that basically sucked the air out of me (it was too big for me to handle with my playing not back up to par) made the problems with adjusting to CC fingerings from BBb more that I could handle. I sold the monster CC, bought a good 4/4 horn in BBb, and have had a blast ever since.
I have nothing whatsoever against CC, Eb, or F tubas, but if you played BBb in high school, you might want a medium to small horn in the key that you're familiar with until you get your playing back in shape. Once your proficiency and confidence in your playing are built back up, it might be worth your while to investigate other types of horns.