Posted by Steve Inman on August 27, 2001 at 22:16:47:
In Reply to: Yamaha YFB822 posted by Douglas on August 27, 2001 at 21:11:49:
A couple of observations:
Some F tubas seem to be designed to be an all-around tuba, like the large Willson or the YFB-822. Others seem to be designed to have a much lighter sound -- like the YFB-621, the MW-182, or the Cerveny CFB-654. Then, there's the difference in sound between the rotary F tubas and the "other" F tubas that seem to defy precise description yet are universally (almost) believed to be perceivable.
The YFB-822 is probably one of the better all-around F tubas if that's what you're looking for. Unlike many of the rotary F tubas (and some "German non-rotary F tubas, IMO), the YFB-822 plays well in the typical "troublesome" area around low D, Db, C, B, BBb. The Willson is also good in this area, as is the smaller Yamaha (YFB-621). Most other F tubas take some getting used to in this range. Some players never figure out how to play well in this area and buy one of the F tubas without this characteristic (and without the "lovely German rotary F tuba sound" whatever that is). Others choose the Eb tuba instead.
Steve Inman
Kokomo, IN