Of course, Klaus is right about the tuba usage in most respects. In the US, almost all elementary and secondary playing is done on the BBb contrabass tuba. Serious students acquire a CC contrabass either in high school (almost exclusive if one has a private teacher preparing one for college auditions), but almost certainly in college. The serious tuba student learns the CC for use in the orchestra, and rarely switches back to the BBb.
For bass tuba, the F tuba is the popular choice to switch to from the CC, mainly due to the similarity of fingerings. Similarly for the BBb tuba, one often pairs it with the Eb bass tuba. However, many F tubas have squirrelly intonation issues, and the CC and Eb pairing is widely used among tubists, as well. I believe the Vaughan Williams concerto "lays under the fingers" beautifully on Eb tuba. Cost is usually not the main consideration. It's a tool to do a job, so you get the best tool for the job. -- Regards, Dave Weiner Brass Arts Unlimited Our new mailing address: 1810-A York Road, #182 Lutherville, MD 21093 www.brassarts.com ++(1) (410) 866-1587 ++(1) (443) 730-2464 fax _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
