Posted by Sven Bring on April 17, 2001 at 09:04:34:
I have a Melton (Meinl-Weston) F tuba model 45. It's about 20 years old. I've never been completely satisfied with this instrument. A small part of the register doesn't answer well. To be specific, everything is OK all the way down to Eb under the staff, which easily gets a little "ugly". The next two semi-tones down, D and Db, are still worse. They lack center and are very difficult to play well. The C then is about the same quality as the Eb. B natural and Bb and the notes below work better, but of course aren't very full-bodied.
I've tried different mouthpieces, but the problem remains. Now I'd like to know if anyone else is familiar with this problem or has any suggestions to make. I don't know if I ought to blame the tuba or myself.
Sven