Posted by Erik on April 26, 2001 at 09:34:28:
In Reply to: Help posted by Jeremy Noye on April 26, 2001 at 09:26:11:
You haven't gotten a technical answer because there is none. The x/4 is simply a rough way manufacturers use to convey the size of their tubas to the customer. I think someone said before that the Rudy 3/4 is really about the same size as a Miraphone 186, which is generally considered a 4/4 instrument. But in general, you can expect that it would be easy to play louder on a larger tuba, and easier to play softer on a smaller tuba. The smaller ones might be more focused, too. Of course, your milage will vary. But the really answer to your question is that 3/4, 4/4 etc are far from exact, with each manufacturer having a slightly different interpretation of 3/4, 4/4 etc (though it can be used to compare the RELATIVE sizes within a particular line of tubas).
I hope you are not more confused than when you asked!
Erik