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Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by Not a Tuba Player on 2/1/2021, 3:19 pm

This year I purchased a brand new Besson Tuba for my middle school band program. However, I have noticed since I switched a student to this tuba, they consistently play flat. This student never had the issue before when they were playing on a Jupiter tuba, so I'm starting to wonder whether the issue is the instrument. The instrument is a Besson Tuba BE 187.

Does anyone know if the Besson Tuba BE 187 model has issues with playing consistently flat?
If so, how do I fix this issue?

If not, how do I help the student play in tune besides telling them to firm up their embouchure a bit and put more air through the tuba?

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by Help on 2/2/2021, 4:36 pm, in reply to "Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

Find a director who plays tuba to play on it for you. They can see that if there is a place that is leaking air.
Also, they can help you determine if all the slides are in the right places.
I think that would be the best approach to answer your question.

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by After slides and air... on 2/2/2021, 3:10 pm, in reply to "Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

My gut is the student is under supporting, but maybe...

Try a smaller Mouthpiece? Larger Mouthpiece? Could be a particular compatibility issue. Might contact Besson for their recommended mouthpieces. (Again, this is only if air support, room temperature, slides pushed in, all that stuff is checked first.)

Have you tried having a HS student or another director play it?

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by Are... on 2/2/2021, 2:39 pm, in reply to "Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

you using the stock mouthpiece or a replacement?

Some European instruments have a different mouthpiece receiver that uses a different mouthpiece shank taper than what we usually use.

Check to see if the mouthpiece that came with Besson tuba goes in further on the shank than your replacement mouthpiece. If your replacement does not go in as far that is why the tuba is playing flat. You have made the tuba longer with a mouthpiece that does not fit properly in the receiver.

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by 4add on 2/4/2021, 11:17 am, in reply to "Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

That's what I was gonna say. Check the lead pipe and mouthpiece. Euro shanks are smaller and the mouthpiece will "fit", but won't be correct.

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by air on 2/1/2021, 5:42 pm, in reply to "Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

More than likely this is an air speed or embouchure issue. But I think checking to see that all of the slides are installed properly and in the correct location. We have a few nice Besson euphoniums, I've noticed that I have a lot of "room" for flexibility when playing these things.

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by Slides on 2/2/2021, 10:20 am, in reply to "Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

With a new tuba, the main tuning slide may not be where you think it is. Make 100% sure you don't have it pulled out too far!

Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues

Posted by Gabe Musella on 2/2/2021, 5:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Help with Tuba Tuning Issues"

The angle and placement of the lead pipe/mouthpiece could also be a factor. Students will often compromise their posture in adjusting to a new horn. If the horn is too big, consider using a tuba stand or find used textbooks that the student can sit on so they don't slump down or "crane" up to reach the mouthpiece.

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