Posted by MG on November 09, 2003 at 23:29:08:
In Reply to: Wilder and Vaughan Williams posted by Markos on November 09, 2003 at 16:23:24:
Technically speaking, "bass tuba" indicates F or Eb tuba, whereas "contrabass tuba" indicates BBb or CC. However, if you have never played F before, I would not recommend borrowing one just for that piece unless your performance is quite a ways away. Let's just say the fingerings aren't the only things that are going to be different. Although this is an unpopular opinion on this board, I say you go for it on your big horn for the moment. You will be better for having tried, even if you decide not to perform it (people do pull it off, by the way; something to shoot for).