Low Range Problems


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Posted by rva on September 27, 2002 at 00:19:56:

I started playing tuba about two years ago (after years of playing euphonium)to fill a need in our local community band. I bought a used Cerveny 686 BBb and began what has been an enjoyable tuba experience. However, I have had trouble developing a good low register - anything below AAb is very weak. The limited amout of practice time I can afford with my present schedule has had limited positive results. The other day I had the opportunity of playing an old, rather beat up Besson (Regency model, I think), a small 3-valve BBb. The low notes popped right out, even the pedal tones that I can rarely achieve on the Cerveny. I was happy to realize my problem may not be me, but my horn.
Question: Is the low range typically a problem with this model Cerveny, or could there be something unique about my horn? If the latter, what might the problem be? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Buying another horn is my current thinking.


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