Posted by Steve Dedman on March 06, 2001 at 21:44:30:
In Reply to: Re: Re: advice on buying and selling tubas! posted by tuba questions on March 06, 2001 at 20:20:25:
The only problems you'll encounter will be more you than the horn. Realize that the key of Db Major (a common key for marches and other band music) on the CC is the equivalent finger pattern for B Major on your BBb horn. That takes some getting used to. You will probably play a little out of tune for a bit while you ear retrains itself to hear the open note as C instead of Bb (feels like Bb, but doen't sound like Bb - you may already be past this).
IMO, the best way to make the switch is cold-turkey, do-or-die. Sure, you'll stumble for awhile, but if there are consequences to playing wrong notes (like looks of disdain from saxes 8^\), you'll learn faster not to make that mistake again. It's a psychology thing. There's no consequences if you miss a fingering in the practice room.
Enjoy the HB, sell the 186, and don't look back. It's a piece of brass, you can't hurt its feelings.
Steve "wish I had that dilemma" Dedman