Posted by Lew on October 28, 2001 at 15:44:09:
In Reply to: Re: old tuba posted by peter on October 27, 2001 at 21:59:10:
Your pictures don't seem to be showing up.
Langwill lists Beare & Sons as a dealer and importer operating from 1883 until "the second quarter of the 20th century." that is the extent of the information they have about them. This is most likely a European imported typical Eb tuba. I suspect that the tape on the third valve port is because of a leak there. The spit valve springs probably also need to be replaced. Fixing both of these things should be a relatively easy task for any competen brass repair person.
Check the "tips" section of this site for a fingering chart for an Eb tuba. That will give you a start on learning some basic scales. I have always believed that brass instrument playing is 75% embouchure and 25% fingerings. The exact percentages aren't important, but what is important is to realize that you can't just blow into and move your fingers and expect to play it. Your lips should actually make slight adjustments for each note with the fingerings adjusting the total length through which you are blowing to change the specific note within each harmonic series.
The two things that can help you get used to playing would be long tones and lip slurs. Practice playing each note in an Eb scale in sequence holding each tone for 4 to 8 beats or longer while attempting to have the clearest tone that you can attain. This will help to build your tone and endurance on each note. Then practice playing four notes up and down with each valve combination without pausing between notes. For example, play up Eb, Bb, Eb, G, down Eb, Bb, Eb (all open or no valves). Then Db, Ab, Db, F, Db, Ab, Db (all 1st valve), D, A, D, F# (all 2nd valve), etc. This will also help build endurance and help you recognize the shifts between harmonics.