Re: Re: French C Tuba vs Euphonium


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Posted by Matt R on May 15, 2001 at 17:26:12:

In Reply to: Re: French C Tuba vs Euphonium posted by Rick Denney on May 15, 2001 at 13:44:37:

Hi Rick (and anyone else interested) -

I actually own a Mahillon 6 valve "French" C (tenor) tuba.
The valves are 4 top action and 2 side action.
The overall design of the instrument is very similar to the
standard euph, but in general, it is noticeably shorter and
fatter (more squat). The bore is about the same as a euph.

The mouthpiece DOES make a lot of difference in sound and
pitch. From what I can tell, the reciever is somewhere in
between a medium/small tuba size and a bass bone size shank.
If you remember the early small Besson Eb tuba recievers,
you will have a good idea of it's size. None of the standard
shanks out there really fit well.

Depending what sound I want from the instrument, I use both
a Yamaha Bobo tenor tuba mpc (large euph shank, tuba rim,
shallow cup) or (usually) a Bach 1 1/4 G bass bone mpc. Both
of these mouthpieces require an adaptor which was sent along with
the instrument although I am sure it was not a stock item.
I really believe an old Besson Eb narrow shank tuba mpc would work
well. Remember how small those were? The Bobo mpc makes it sound
a bit more like a small F tuba (pitch suffers). The Bach works
well also and lightens up the sound considerably (better pitch).

The most interesting thing about the instrument is the low register
extension. How an instrument this size is able to bark like it does
down low is beyond me. It takes all six valves, but man is it fun.
I can easily see how the complete Pictures could have been played
very well on this instrument (although quite brighter than we are
used to hearing).

Hope this helps

Matt





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