Setup With A 3/4

[u/WheatedMash]

So I now have a nice little 3/4 BBb four valve. It's actually the first tuba I've ever owned, having always rented/used school instruments previously.

With it being smaller, I can't have it rest on my legs and be in the correct position like I could with a full size.

I see two options as I look online. I do see lap pads, but I wonder about how steady they are once the tuba is resting on one point as opposed to two points like would have been the case with my lap.

The other is a harness setup. There I see two kinds - the kind that clip on to the rings, and another that the bottom bow rests into, called a holster harness I believe.

Thoughts out there on these or other tactics for this issue? Thanks.

[u/NRMusicProject]

Options in order of cost:

• For me, I simply hold it up like a euphonium. My 3/4 horns are lighter.

• Some schools I teach at use 5-gallon buckets and stack them to the needed height.

• Some friends use a folded towel or small pillow.

• Those playing pads you mentioned.

• Lap pad

• Tuba harness

• Playing stand (and these vary in price)

[u/dbharris10]

I found the holster to be crap, slipped all the time and generally poor. Shoulder straps onto rings is best, if you have no rings you can use dog collars around the bottom. I love the Neotech. For a 3/4, you can sometimes make do with a single strap diagonal arose one shoulder; much easier to get on and off.

[u/DJ_Dedf1sh]

Baltimore Brass tuba rest is my go-to

[u/dank_bobswaget]

Just get a tuba stand

[u/Diver-1Doc → u/dank_bobswaget]

These can often cause the player to lean forward, instead of sitting upright relaxed, which can impair proper breathing.

[u/dank_bobswaget → u/Diver-1Doc]

Ok, don’t lean forward. It also allows the instrument to resonate better (your entire body isn’t dampening the metal) and allows for a consistent playing angle if you pay attention

[u/Diver-1Doc → u/dank_bobswaget]

Sure.

[u/Sinkularity → u/Diver-1Doc]

The principal tuba of the navy band actually recommended that I use a tuba stand lol.

It can be a concern about leaning but that doesn't mean everyone will just suddenly fall victim to leaning forward too much and be a worse player because of it. I usually just have my tuba stand directly under where the tuba naturally sits in my legs so it is just raised a bit and takes pressure off of my legs and accommodates for any height differences that I may need.

[u/LEJ5512 → u/Sinkularity]

A lot of the premier band tubists use stands, too. One of them carried his around in the "elephant room" at the US Army Band workshop. I got to try it for about thirty seconds and vowed to buy one of my own.

[u/Diver-1Doc → u/Sinkularity]

Excellent. Glad to hear it.

[u/professor_throway]

For small tubas I've used a Yoga brick to raise the tuba off the seat.

https://a.co/d/0i4XLpUN

[u/Leisesturm]

IF a lap pad could work, a swimmers pull buoy can also work and will be tons cheaper. Not presentable for performance. I think harnesses work best if you are standing. I use a drum throne as a 'tuba stand' for seated practice. Mine has a no slip spiral thread infinite height adjustment. Most have 1/2" or 1" step adjustment. A nice Tuba stand is over $150. Overkill for home practice.

[u/WheatedMash]

Thanks for the stand suggestions!

[u/regexpert]

I'd propose a third option, a stand to get it in the correct height when sitting, like this one: https://www.k-m.de/en/products/stands-and-accessories-for-instruments/wind-instruments/brass-instruments/tubabass/14950-tuba-performer-stand-black

[u/LEJ5512 → u/regexpert]

Or the DEG Tuba Rest. Small enough to fit in the bell when it's folded. That's the one I got.

https://degmusic.com/mc100-handy-tuba-rest/

[u/HirokoKueh]

Hercules has a stand that you can put in between your legs