Posted by saktoons on August 31, 2001 at 14:22:11:
In Reply to: Re: setting your tuba down posted by Art on August 28, 2001 at 21:51:03:
I have seen tubas damaged by having them placed on their bells in haste, but I have never seen a tuba damaged when placed down gently. (Although, I will admit that the bell is usually not under the center of gravity of the tuba. This means that it will have a proclivity to tip to the side. And no, the fact that a synonym to "proclivity" is "bent" should have no bearing on your feelings about this post!)
I agree with Art, but only partially. If I am playing ANYWHERE but on a carpeted surface, I will use a large clean towel, folded in thirds, upon which to set my tuba. The folded towel allows a little "give" which makes the tuba a little more stable. And, if I have the room behind me on the stage, floor, whatever, I will bring my handy-dandy Amati tuba stand to hold the tuba safetly and securely. (Unfortunately, they seldom give the tuba player enough room to set his instrument down anywhere but his lap.)