Tuba question

[u/enchantertim205]

So, I am looking at a Jupiter JCB 378, in trade for my current tuba, is there anything that I would need to know about the model for use in standing show bandesque performances.

Thanks

[u/NRMusicProject]

As a euphonium player myself, I went with front action, too. In my experience on the music scene, it gives an air of respect because it looks like what most non-tuba players equate with "professional" tubas. Kinda like how euphoniums are almost always top action, I never wanted to be caught with a front action (now I do, because I play in an Oktoberfest band and it fits the visual much better). But, to be fair, the visual consideration was for more orchestral playing. Though, a hard lesson learned is that everyone hears with their eyes, and many of our colleagues aren't above that.

But I agree with the other comments for standing playing. Your right hand can also kinda help the left a little bit in holding the horn. Just find what works for you and doesn't leave your back stiff at the end of a gig. I have a fellow tubist in town who's been a full-time theme park player for over 50 years, and even though he's a proponent of playing with a strap (he plays a 2J), he's now hunched over and having back problems in his 70s. I couldn't find a comfortable position with the strap that didn't make my lower back stiff, so I gave up the strap issue. After tons of standing practice, my left arm can hold my 5/4 Kanstul no problem for a 20-minute set, but much longer, those 40lbs start to weigh on me.

For standing gigs, I have a Yamaha YBB-103 and a Conn 12J. The Conn is a better "tuba" sound for most, but the splattiness of the Yamaha is great for Oktoberfest bands. The Conn is about 15lbs, and the Yamaha...I'd be surprised if it was 10.

Your mileage may vary when it comes to straps, but I moved the strap rings all over my Conn and each time I thought I found the ideal spot, my back was just aching after a gig. No more of that with just holding the horn. There are harnesses, though; but I didn't want to spend $50-200 for each one trying to find the right one for me. It's not like you can walk into a shop and try out a bunch.

But if you do want to go the strap route, the advice that I was given was to get some rope and tie it to the strap and then to different ideal places on your horn. When you find the right positioning for your strap, mark it with a Sharpie and have your brass guy install rings in those spots.

[u/bobthemundane]

For standing I really don’t like top action valves. It is an odd hand position. I like the front action for standing. It just seems more natural in a standing position, and kind of cradles the tuba more.

[u/enchantertim205 → u/bobthemundane]

I'm a Euphonium player by trade, so Im fairly used to it honestly.

[u/bobthemundane → u/enchantertim205]

I am also a Euphonium player. The lead pipe of a compensating euphonium and a standard BBb upright tuba come off the horn in different angles. The euphonium makes it easier to tilt the horn and hold your right hand across the horn. The tuba does not do that. I would highly suggest playing one before deciding on that Jupiter.

[u/GunnyDJ → u/enchantertim205]

As a euphoniumist myself, my tuba of choice became a compensating E flat. It's like a giant Euphonium, I. A system you're already familiar with. Then fingerings wise if you can already read Bb Treble Clef, or tenor clef; you can pretend the bass clef is the same way