Posted by Doc on March 31, 2003 at 07:08:56:
In Reply to: "tromboning" posted by Mike Mason on March 30, 2003 at 13:23:26:
The most important thing about playing should be the sound. When you choose an instrument, the sound should be the most important determining factor. IF you can find a way to play it in tune, then you are set. Players who are hobbyists, etc. may rather have a horn that makes a nice sound but plays very well in tune, and that's fine. Too much work could reduce the fun factor for some, and I understand that. Serious players normally don't make an issue of slide pulling - that's just what one does. You have to in order to play in tune, because no horn is perfect. I would never tell a student to lip any notes. That leads to other problems-missed notes, cracking/fracking, poor sound. When is the last time you heard a major symphony tubist complain about all the slide pulling they have to do? If you are an amateur/hobbyist, finding a horn that really plays in tune (with little or no slide pulling) may really boost your enjoyment. For those who are serious players, playing in tune with a great sound may be more enjoyable, but if you are auditioning/playing professionally, playing in tune with great sound is a must. All those aspiring pros out there should realize that the perfect horn is a pipe dream, and they should get used to pulling slides like the rest of us.
Doc