Posted by Andrew on October 23, 2000 at 12:05:33:
What do people think about this? The lowest 'real' note I've ever been able to achieve is the sub-pedal using all valves (on a four-valve compensating instrument). On the F this would be of course the F sharp below the lowest A on the piano. On the E flat this would be the E natural below the lowest A. Both these notes are in tune, loud and articulatable. For me the OPEN sub-pedals are not available because of simple lack of resistance offered in the instrument.
All players should be able to play with ease, and WITHOUT mouthpiece-position changes, down to the first C or B flat (for F and E flat tubas) on the piano. Varese includes a long sub-pedal G (below the lowest A on the piano) on the last page of 'Arcana' (starting p with diminuendo to ppp).