Posted by Rick Denney on June 12, 2003 at 00:39:29:
In Reply to: tubenetymology posted by js on June 11, 2003 at 23:58:04:
The Conn 36J was similar in size and configuration to the York and its derivatives and copies, and it was called the "orchestra grand bass" at least as far back as the 20's. But the American manufacturers didn't use the quarter system in those days. The quarter system seems to have emerged from German manufacturers, who seem to build their tubas in proportion across the size range.
"Grand Orchestral" was the model name for the Yorkbrunner, not a description, as I recall. When used as a type, I think of "grand orchestral" as describing a front-action piston tuba with an approximate 3/4" bore, a short bell, a large bottom bow, and a very large bell throat, that is like a Yorkbrunner (which, like my 6-bow Holton, is like the York, which is like the Conn). I don't think number of bows was ever part of what is an informal definition.
By the way, for a tuba like these with the tuning slide pointing down, how do you have an odd number of bows between it at the bell?
Rick "counting on his fingers and coming up short" Denney