New Member introduction

[1 Ton Tommy]

Hi All,

I'm a longtime trumpeter who dug out a tuba I've owned for 50 years when the community orchestra needed help in the Bass section. By that time the orchestra had three trumpets, the most recent addition of which had come from SFO and could sight read anything. Having got Covid and long Covid I could scarcely read anything. I had to have said recent addition play my parts while I memorized them by ear. Eventually, I got so I could read again and during my recovery, the conductor discovered I owned a tuba. So then I was sole tuba. Sole bass section.

Now, however we have acquired two lovely young ladies who are crackerjack standup bass players. And I amplify them at times and also play bassoon and 3rd trombone parts and even (gasp) the occasional tuba part.

I had played tuba in trad jazz bands 50 years ago on a BBb Buescher susaphone that I very much regret selling. The proceeds went to buy a EEb 4v Martin of 1918 vintage that Ive played ever since in orchestras and trad jazz gigs, minus the trumpet playing years. The valves are noisy and worn out but it's still playable, the intonation is good and the sound is marvelous. It barks when I want it to bark and sings when I want it to sing. It has a good bottom end down to B natural below the staff. Below that the fire goes out. I don't know it it's me or the horn. Given enough time I can get a G out of it.
So, upcoming we're doing Greig's Anitra's Dance and Hall of the Mountain King. In anticipation of that I bought a Martin Mammoth ca. 1958. My decision on that horn was largely based on it's being local, a good price, a nice sound, and tight valves. Great bottom end! More on the horns in a future post.

I've enthusiastically lurked and enjoyed the many informative posts. I'll add a signature when I figure out how.