Posted by Steven on May 23, 2003 at 12:37:28:
Before I upgrade to an expensive instrument, I was planning on buying an inexpensive instrument to learn on first. At the local pawnshop there is what looks like an Eb sousaphone, but compared to another one that's there, the bore looks smaller (tubing up to the bell is smaller in diameter). There's no markings on it other than it was "Made In England". The valves look and respond fine, from my preliminary checks, but I was wondering if it would be okay to learn the Eb fingerings on this small-bore instrument if I eventually want to upgrade to an EEb instrument.
Can anyone think of any detriments with this approach??
Appreciatively,
Steven