Posted by Chuck(G) on January 09, 2002 at 17:06:05:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: What size is it? posted by Richard C on January 09, 2002 at 10:05:43:
Sorry if I put you off, Richard. It's just that no one has a clue how to grade tubas by size, since, probably more than any other wind instrument, they vary wildly in configuration.
A cello pretty much looks like a cello regardless of make, but even the string situation isn't entirely clear. 3/4 is the most common size for basses, yet there are big 3/4 basses and small ones.
Some 4/4 tubas (e.g. a Besson Imperial BBb) are very tall and cumbersome for even a tall adult to play comfortably, while a 6/4 York is rather squat and sits nicely in the lap of most adult players.
Rudolph Meinl size descriptions tend to be a little on the conservative side, so what they call a 3/4 most players would call a 4/4. BTW, did you know that they make a BBb that they call a 6/4? It's absolutely HUGE.
In short, you've put forth a very thorny problem indeed and one that probably has no clear-cut solution.