Posted by Wade on October 11, 2003 at 10:49:08:
In Reply to: Does C tuba make attacks cleaner? posted by Eric Bamberg on October 10, 2003 at 12:43:01:
A tuba in C just has less stuff to blow through. It is not easier, just shorter (which can make some things easier, but not by design).
A tuba pitched in C is roughly two feet shorter in the main bugle. Going from an 18 foot bugle to one that is 16 feet in length will make everything better, but only by a small amount. Personally, I have noticed that there is a noticeable difference in everything when going from a BBb 186 to a CC 186. This is one of the best direct key-to-key comparisons you can make, as these are very similar tubas, with only small differences in the wrap.
These differences are not really pronounced enough for me to go and purchase a new horn, but they are there. And I guarantee, your mileage will vary, as everyone perceives this kind of thing differently.
Wade "Buy a tuba that you enjoy playing, regardless of its key" Rackley