Posted by Hammerin' Hank on May 23, 2002 at 16:11:23:
In Reply to: Basses and Contra B. posted by WHY on May 23, 2002 at 15:16:13:
That's like saying my job is to hammer things and the sledge hammer is the best hammer. Why would anyone want to use anything smaller?
It is not a range issue, it is a sound issue. A generalization: American orchestral tubists nowadays seem to own (at least ) 3 tubas, a 6/4 CC, a 4/4 CC, and a F tuba. Depending on the piece they are playing, they will choose the instrument that will make the most appropriate sound for that work.
That's a very basic answer. I'm sure others will be more helpful.
HB