Bb......top of the staff...... and up a little further..... not much. I'm not a tuba screecher. Up another octave? I couldn't play that high if you held a gun to my head!

Just looking to go a little beyond what I'd mentioned.

I've been researching F tubas recently, and in the process, I was struck by an idea. I'm playing on a Miraphone 186 BBb with a Laskey 28H mouthpiece, and after playing in the upper register for awhile, I tire out, and pitch accuracy and tone hit the skids. Then, I opt for dropping down an octave for...

I've used PB Blaster and Kroil around the farm. From my experiences with them, Kroil works the best. Been using it for many years.

One of the local mills buys it by the barrel. It's the only lubricant/penetrating fluid that they keep under lock and key!!!

Different response, resistance, and intonation would all be obvious and natural considerations........ smaller instrument, makes, models, designs, etc. Having played/experienced, God knows how many different makes and models of brass instruments (and woodwinds & percussion) in my previous career...

Bloke........... yes. That's correct. Being that I have a rotary Miraphone 186, (built in 1971) I'm curious about getting a Miraphone F tuba. Mary Ann mentioned a learning curve specifically regarding the rotary valved F tuba. I don't know what she's referring to. Is it merely the physical act of pu...

Mary Ann: I've already been using a rotary 186 for several years. Having no idea of what you mean, please elaborate on what you're talking about. Not trying to be a smart *ss. I just don't know what you mean by that statement.

I'm a bit late to the party, so..... what model is the Miraphone F that you're talking about?? I'm very curious as I'm sort of deciding whether to get an F for myself. I really like my present Miraphone 186, so I'm naturally considering the same brand. Price will be a limiting factor in the final de...

Piano - 67 years.... though, after having surgery on both hands a couple of years ago, I'm rather limited as to what I can play now. Tuba - 20+ years or so...... off and on. Every so often, I take it seriously and practice diligently for extended periods of time. Then, something happens and there's ...

Nope!!

I've got three or four Manhassets and a Hamilton director's stand here at home. All were discarded from the school district over the years. I pieced and repaired them, repainted them, and they are now completely functional and look like new. The director's stand is my tuba music stand. Lots of room ...

I'll give it a try.......... as soon as I find my microscope!

I, too, had heard different stories as to the different spellings on the bell, so I decided to go to the source. I emailed Miraphone yesterday. Although it doesn't give an "explanation as to why", per se, it does clarify the actual difference in the spelling. This came directly from Miraph...

I agree with Bloke and Mary Ann. I used to ride my bike everywhere, but safety and inconvenience started to become very real issues. Automobile traffic has increased unbelievably over the years, and drivers of said vehicles have too many distractions available to them while driving. I also gave up r...

Clarification needed............ Dr. Helper or Dr. Hepler?
I know Lowell Hepler. Don't know Dr. Helper.
Lowell ended up as a prof at Allegheny College. Knew him way back from the Clarion State College Summer Band Clinic days where we worked as instructors/counselors.

Hey guys & gals... I had written and submitted a reply to this thread. My cat was sleeping right next to the keyboard and shifted a little, laying on some of the keyboard just as I hit the submit button. I don't know what happened or where the post actually went. It wasn't too long, but I just d...

Forgot to mention the CD player for some churches. As a former church organist, I played for pay AND for free. My home church........ I never charged. Played the early service there for years, and eventually got hired by a few other local churches at the same time..... meaning on the same day.... no...

Well, here in western PA, the DJ craze that started many years ago, pretty much gave live gigs a punch to the gut! DJs were cheaper and took up less room space, so they really became popular. Gigs for dances, parties, proms, night clubs, bars, special occasions, holiday parties,etc., basically all s...

Try Houghton Horns.......... Keller, TX.

Everybody has their own way of doing things. Do a little of your own research........ start on a note just above where you notice it happening. Using long tones, work your way down slowly, and find out exactly where the cheeks puff out. When it happens, consciously work to pull them back in and pay ...

I haven't had this surgery either, however, I have a friend in NC that just had it done on Tuesday of last week. While she has had severe pain initially, she has already said that she's turned the corner pain-wise, and is feeling much better. She's out walking her dog and taking walks around a local...