Posted by Joe S. on June 17, 2000 at 20:47:28:
In Reply to: B&S PT15 posted by Jeff on June 17, 2000 at 08:06:57:
It is not out of the norm of B&S F tubas to have a flat high C#. The high D can sometimes also be flat. HOWEVER, on many of these tubas the problem isn't of much consequence. An alternate for the high C# is 2-4 (just a little sharp), and an alternate for the high D is 1-3 (not bad). I find that when I am really "strong" (from playing a lot), those notes become non-problems (on my particular B&S F tuba). When I have had to leave the tuba in its case for weeks, they are a bit noticable, at least to me.
On some of the stinkier B&S F tubas, the Db IN the staff is also quite flat.
I have noticed these problems, when they exist, are more work to lip in tune on the oversized mouthpipe version ("PT"?)...at least the ones that I have played.