I've been quite entertained lately asking AI about mouthpieces and comparing them. AI does a really good job of listing specs for each, comparing them and relating that to sound, response and intonation issues. Give it a try. I was surprised how accurate its recommendations were.

Give me Matt Perrine on sousaphone anytime.

I had a friend with a similar vintage tuba and the repair shop said it could not be repaired. It was playable as it was, but there was a large crack in the tubing. My friend used tape and bound that portion. He played it a lot in my band and it was fantastic. Old horns don't have to die. I voted to ...

I always ask the same question of a high school student who is wondering where the best college is to transform them into a professional musician. I ask them where they are gigging now. If they are not constantly gigging at that age, there is no hope for them. You may disagree, though I don't know ...

I tried a similar task last year for a tuba quartet and came to a similar conclusion. There just isn't enough out there. And I wasn't limiting it to just jazz. I included pop music too. Even with that, still not enough material. I was willing to do conversions myself of any four part arrangement ...

Update on the new springs. The lower portion compresses and just snaps into place in the bottom caps. Thanks so much for this suggestion.

IMG_2261 by genevie7, on Flickr

@Richard III
I don’t know if those are right for your Conn. A Conn 52j essentially has King valves which have a diameter of approximately 15/16”. <— not precise, only measured with tape measure to try to tell you before you order…


Tope, the company that is selling them has the specs on their ...

Wow. Thanks. I am ordering them now.

I get it. Thanks for your help. I've never thought about it but one of my springs shifted and got noisy. I'll be more careful with the positioning.

Good thought. But the sousaphone springs are the same diameter as what I have, which is 19mm. What I really need are springs that are 29mm at the bottom and 19mm at the top. The larger bottom of the spring locks the spring into the cap, like with my Conn trumpets. That way there is no movement or ...

IMG_2253 by genevie7, on Flickr

There is nothing for the spring to attach or wedge to. All the springs for my trumpets that are bottom sprung, are wider at the bottom and match the bottom caps.

I'm looking for replacement springs for my 10J. Specifically, I would like it if the springs "locked" into the bottom caps like my bottom sprung Conn trumpet's springs do. On my 10J, I get noise from the springs moving around.

Be really different and use a vibraphone as the chord structure. I think it would fit together nicely. Hard to transport though. Keep at it. You'll find something that will work.


Part of what I'm trying to do is also avoid the prolonged setups and take downs. Avoiding pianos, vibes, complete ...

I'm forming a jazz combo and playing around with different instrument ideas. I have a very good bass player who is capable of both excellent bass work and playing melodic lines. I also do the same on tuba.

Are there any groups out there that use both instruments in a jazz Combo? I'm not finding ...

I've been using Sibelius for years. I should also say it is the subscription version where I pay $20 a month. The advantage of that is that my version is always the current one and frequently updated. If the PDF is quality and clean, it scans almost without errors and makes changes so easy. I'm ...

One thing that is also discussed occasionally among trumpet players is clocking the mouthpiece. That would be turning it until a sweet spot is found where the horn plays the best. You then make a mark and always have it inserted just right.

I would get someone to play on an amplified double bass. More flexibility. Having a mix of bowing with classical and jazz pizzicato.. would be cool.


Nice idea, I like it. I am blessed with knowing really good bass players. I also figure that with the style we will be doing, having a funky kind ...

I'm trying to form a tuba quartet. It would be the common two euphoniums and two tubas configuration. What do you think of substituting the second tuba with a bass guitar? I can find numerous players for that role but I'm having trouble finding a second quality tuba player. We are going to be ...

Any solo can be played on tuba. I have a trad jazz band and the tuba plays solos right along with all the other instruments. For a time I was the tuba player in the band. The trombone player always commented that I play tuba like I play cornet, which is my primary instrument. When my tuba player ...

I would encourage you to look beyond looks. I found mine with a bit of a crushed bell and a few sizable dents. Repairs weren't too expensive. It is a joy to play. It is also the only one I found after looking for quite some time. I bought mine last summer for under $600. I notice that there's one on ...