Posted by Tom Holtz on January 26, 2004 at 21:42:48:
In Reply to: Horn trends 4/4's posted by Kyle Turner on January 26, 2004 at 20:35:30:
Hear, hear. I use a 4/4 tuba for the Marine Band, and I'm very happy with the product. Yes, in every concert, there's always a moment when the brass section is planted firmly on a money chord, and a 6/4 horn would be nice to have. The other 99 percent of the time, when we're playing soft string bass pizzicatos, technically demanding passages, or anything where we have to be balanced with a solo flute, the 4/4 is enough or more than enough horn for the job. With a section of three at the back of a band... well, you get the idea. It's actually pretty rare that we're in a situation where it's appropriate for all of us to have the throttles wide open. It's fun when it comes around--but rare.
Our principal tubist uses a 6/4 tuba for the band. The rest of us have 4/4 tubas. Works out nicely.