Posted by Greg on February 10, 2004 at 11:42:47:
In Reply to: Besson EEb 983-2 + H2O posted by Roboslack on February 09, 2004 at 23:55:18:
When I was playing a 983 I found there were several rather obvious things that I needed to do while in rehearsals and performances.
Lean to the left and empty EVERY spit valve every time you have even a few seconds of time.
Pull out the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th tuning slides from the top and dump them with the instrument turned down to the left. The second valve slide really collects quite a bit.
Take your mouthpiece out when you set the tuba on the bell. I also would sometimes put a cloth on the leadpipe to catch drips.
Good luck.
Greg Allen
www.stlbb.org