Posted by Christopher on June 18, 1999 at 10:23:02:
In Reply to: False Tones on a 3-valve tuba posted by Too embarrassed to say on June 18, 1999 at 09:33:33:
Haven't used false tones in quite a while, but as i recall from my Alexander days, false tones work out best at a fourth above the fundamental. Which is to say, E is all three valves and some serious "encouragement" from the lips, then Eb is open, etc., down to BBb.
This range doesn't pop out too clearly on many instruments; it will take a strong ear and a lot of experimentation on your part. But even with four valves, I found false fingerings to be better in tune and more solid than some of the "legit" alternatives on the notoriously cantankerous (but glorious sounding) Alex CC.
And feel no shame about your equipment -- no matter how low you sink, at least you're not playing bagpipes ;-)