Posted by mike teague on March 27, 2001 at 21:31:06:
In Reply to: Re: Ode to the Ophiclide posted by Sam Gnagey on March 25, 2001 at 22:45:14:
I have a Guichard made about 1835. Mine is Bb with 9 keys. I have a copy of an early mouthpiece that is about the same size as a Bach 1 1/2 G but is more funnel shaped and has a tenor trombone sized shank and backbore. One of the things I have found is that legato playing takes some getting used to since you have no valves to articulate for you.The other thing that is interesting about Ophicleide is you try to play as high on the overtone series as you can that way you're using the keys closest to the bell which will have the best sound.Anyone who gets a chance to hear one live should jump at the chance they are a great sounding instrument although they can't match tuba for volume and eveness of tone.If you ever see some ophicleide parts you'll notice that it is a very facil instrument especially in the upper register where every thing is being done with the left hand.
mike