Does anyone know what Messina charges for shipping, or is it included? If not included, how much for a typical tuba bag?

One thing that seems kind of vague on their web site is the thickness and composition of the padding. Other makers say 20 mm, 25 mm, 1 inch, etc. And use terms like “high density foam”, “medical grade foam”, and so forth. Any clues about what Messina uses? I found the answer buried in their “about u ...

I saw them at last year's Army trombone workshop. They didn't play, just talked. It seems that they have a core group and swap players in and out by availability on various tours and concerts. That allows them to have other jobs in symphonies and life. It must be difficult to maintain such a high ...

That’s one of them thar adjust-bul ree-ceeverz. ‘Murkan or Eyor-o shank, don’t matter none. Just tighten that thar hose clamp ‘til she fits raht!

And these ladies are sen-sational! Impeccable musicianship, practically flawless technique, and a cohesive ensemble sound. If you get a chance to see them if they come to your town, don’t miss it! Also, was very impressed with their new tuba player Vivian Kung. A most excellent player at such a y ...

The Big Ben wrote: ↑Fri Feb 09, 2024 5:58 pm Life can be a mystery...

I actually think #1 is evidence of a disturbance in the space-time continuum.

1. You search for “tuba” in FleaBay and you see pretty much the same horns in “Most Recent” as you do in “Ending Soonest”, simultaneously? 2. You very specifically search for “tuba” in Facebook Marketplace, and shows you all kinds of “Not Tuba” stuff like trumpets, trombones, guitars, amps, schnozzle ...

One thing that seems kind of vague on their web site is the thickness and composition of the padding. Other makers say 20 mm, 25 mm, 1 inch, etc. And use terms like “high density foam”, “medical grade foam”, and so forth. Any clues about what Messina uses?

How could ANYTHING possibly be COOLER than owning FRANK SINATRA’s tuba player’s tuba?



Would that make you a member of the Rat Pack by proxy?

“Ferree’s Dent Machine” would be a great name for a rock band!

If one buys a European tuba from the usual sources (notably Miraphone), the specs will often say A=443. I have read here that A=440 is a longer main tuning slide. Some stores say they “special order” A=440 instruments “for the American market”. Some questions: why is just replacing one slide with ano ...

OK, no one else said it yet, so I’ll be the one to go here…

“Resistance is futile!” - The Borg.

Didn’t anyone play any any of Lee Stofer’s Lidl horns? Interested in impressions of those.

Not sure of the model but looks like a typical 3 valve 3/4 BBb designed and marketed for school use. I would not buy it without the dent in the leadpipe being removed, or build the cost of that repair into a discounted price. Not strictly necessary, but it would nice to have the shop rollout the ...

What were your findings on the success of students who started on tuba versus those who switched to it? I could see it either way. Either starting on the tuba is better because they start without the embouchure of another instrument, or that starting on a more technical instrument sets a precedent ...

Hmm. Zero replies? I thought there as a good deal of discussion fodder there. Apparently I was wrong. Personally, I found it interesting that in the mid eighties, most school tubas were still American made brands (Conn, Olds…not sure about Bach at that time), Yamahas were starting to get a toe hold b ...

I’m certainly no scientist, but it seems logical to me that the valves, with their close tolerances, would operate best if the casings and valve body are made from the same material, or, if the materials are different, they should at least have similar coefficients of thermal expansion. The casings w ...

While purging my files I came across this paper I wrote for my masters. It’s entitled “An Exploration of Issues Relating to the Teaching of Tuba Players”. Submitted by me in April of 1986. It does not rise to the level of a thesis. My university allowed me to do a “lecture-recital” with an accompany ...

I’d say model 25. Distinguished from the 20 by the tall bell stack. I used to have one just like it from the same era. Looks like the poor thing needs some love (work). And I wonder what’s under the duct tape on the bottom bow?

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but Cronkite doesn’t make vinyl bags. Theirs are either real leather or Cordura fabric. So if it’s vinyl, it’s not a Cronkite. If it’s not vinyl, it could be a Cronkite and you’re mistaken about the material.