The Bb Tuba - Besson Sovereign BE994

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2016
  • This video is a discussion and demonstration of the Besson Sovereign BE994 tuba. In the brass band we call these a 'Bass', and it plays the treble clef.
    This instrument is a Bb tuba with four compensating valves in a 3 & 1 configuration; 3 upright valves and 1 side valve.
    See more about compensating valves here: • Compensating Valve Sys...
    Disclaimer: I can barely play this instrument. Yes, you can probably do a better job.
    Donate: trent.nz/donate.html
    Send me stuff!
    POBox 5107
    Wellington 6140
    New Zealand
    Support the creation of new content: / trenthamiltonnz
    Subscribe here: th-cam.com/users/subscription_c...
    Join me on Facebook: / trenthamiltonnz
    Join me on Twitter: / trenthamiltonnz
    Big thanks to David Bowman for his support on Patreon.
  • เพลง

ความคิดเห็น • 436

  • @TheChris0303
    @TheChris0303 7 ปีที่แล้ว +232

    "The distance around the rim is about 3 or 4 kilometers" 😂😂 keep up the videos!

    • @cpg2198
      @cpg2198 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That quote made my day!

    • @nikomitrione
      @nikomitrione 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I know! I died at that part XD the thing I love about Trent is that he will make hilarious jokes but keep a perfectly straight face XD

    • @waltermccord550
      @waltermccord550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I didn’t know that kilometers are that small lol.

    • @bobjacobson858
      @bobjacobson858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Inches are probably the closest approximation.

    • @jerrybyers2172
      @jerrybyers2172 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I heard a guy once upon a time say, "the mouthpiece is big enough that you can stick your head in it and still have enough room to wiggle your ears".

  • @majcrash
    @majcrash 6 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    This is a $10,000 magnificently crafted instrument. I think if he spent enough time playing it, he'd change his mind.

    • @Hix1388
      @Hix1388 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I've not picked up a tuba in 8 years and I'm jealous as all get out. Granted the last time I got to play I went back to help the last of the section I'd trained before I graduated during band camp and I get handed a brand new Jupiter sousaphone.

    • @ergo6527
      @ergo6527 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ES_ETP it’s 13k

  • @alejandrocharles4265
    @alejandrocharles4265 7 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    when you talk about the requirements of playing tuba i feel like your complementing me

    • @demonfaceINC
      @demonfaceINC 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I love the contra profile pic. It goes with this comment and same.

    • @boecaj3731
      @boecaj3731 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same broski

  • @MrThurobrand
    @MrThurobrand 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    This is a superb instrument. Dexterity is in the player. Also the purpose of the instrument does not often require the nimbleness you find the tuba doesn't have.

  • @michaelcowling9928
    @michaelcowling9928 6 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    I appreciate a non-tuba player actually appreciating the amount of breath and diaphragm control required to play a full 4/4 Bb tuba. I started on a little 3/4 3 piston Yamaha jobber when I was 12 years old and graduated up to a 4/4 3+1 piston Besson when I was 13. I was about five foot tall and weighed in at about 135 pounds. I still remember the band director calling me out as I was the only tuba player in the 70 or so member band. "I should never hear any of you take a breath except for Michael on that big ol' tuba and I haven't heard him take a breath yet! The rest of you need to learn how to stagger your breathing."

    • @isham7920
      @isham7920 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      lmao same. That analogy also went to everyone complaining about carrying around their "heavy" instruments to concerts and their arms getting tried and i'd be near the back trying not to make my arms fall off but still not complaining xD

    • @Bubba7mm08
      @Bubba7mm08 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It does take a lot breath doesn’t it

    • @bun-bun5623
      @bun-bun5623 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lmao have fun playing a 6/4 contrabass tuba

    • @awildjared1396
      @awildjared1396 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm the only tuba in a band of maybe 17, so I can actually be heard in the bane but in a recording or audience the sound blends in so well you can't hear it until you take it out of the band entirely, and so far the bd hasn't complained about loud breathing so far, just not staying together and wrong notes. (7th grade, rather beat up 3 valve Jupiter JCB-378, basically brand new Jupiter JCB-382 at home)

    • @TheLittleTrombone_01
      @TheLittleTrombone_01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m currently going into a high school band as one of only two Tuba players in that entire band, once the summer is over :(
      It’s depressing how lacking in numbers Tuba players really are

  • @jackodoyle2061
    @jackodoyle2061 6 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    We recently took out the old Bb bass because we were using 2 Ebs and the Bb has been sitting around for years and works perfectly.The sound it produces is just beautiful and powerful

  • @weird0329
    @weird0329 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    “This behemoth” my favorite thing he has ever said ❤😂

  • @PatDavis-qg5no
    @PatDavis-qg5no 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Trent: "The distance around the rim is around 3 to 4-"
    Me: centimetres?
    Trent: *_kilometers_*

    • @bobjacobson858
      @bobjacobson858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Actually, about 4 inches would be the approximate distance! I've put the shank of a trumpet mouthpiece into the shank of a tuba mouthpiece and buzzed into the former, using the latter as the bell!

  • @optimus8799
    @optimus8799 7 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    In America BBb tubas are very popular in middle/highschool concert bands and marching bands. We don't have the brass band here, so much of what you say about the function and applicability of the BBb tuba doesn't apply. Eb tubas basically don't exist here, and in college and professional orchestras, C tubas are used. F tubas are primarily used for solo and small ensemble playing. As a BBb tuba player myself, I find your comments amusing, as I can very well play the low and high range on my tuba, as well as demonstrate dexterity through fast and challenging passages of music. I guess it's just cultural differences that make the BBb tuba seem like such an unruly instrument to you.
    Great video, and keep up the good work!

    • @CorvetteCoonass
      @CorvetteCoonass 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Well, playing one of these BBb tubas is not like playing a King or a Miraphone. These BBb compers are more difficult to play if you're used to inline 4 valve horns and also more difficult to play down in the basement register. The pros of this design are this:
      1. The 3+1 configuration (if you've adjusted to it) offers even more technical facility than a inline 4 valve system. The "Ride" on a BBb comper is cake compared to playing it on a inline 4 valve piston BBb (but not much easier than on a rotary inline).
      2. Using the compensating system allows you to use the same fingerings for basement octave notes that you used for the octave above it just by adding the 4th valve. This also adds to the ease of technical facility of the horn.
      The cons:
      1. Playing a BBb comper isn't as bad as say playing an Eb comper if you're coming from a standard front action horn. The Eb comper requires the F and E just below the staff to be played with the 4th valve which can get annoying. I personally prefer a front action Eb whether it's a comper or not.
      2. The compensating system on a BBb tuba can be really stuffy. I don't exaggerate when I say that it is REALLY stuffy. What makes playing BBb Bass in brass band difficult is the basement register alone, because of the stuffiness of the 4th valve.

    • @cetologist
      @cetologist 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dunno what you're talking about, I live in America and I've never seen a BBb tuba in my life.

    • @sealio728
      @sealio728 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have never seen a BBb in the whole East Texas area D:

    • @selbatsfam02
      @selbatsfam02 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@sealio728 Not to be rude but have you tried opening your eyes? If you've seen a lot of tubas and none of them are in B flat then you're a vast, vast minority.

    • @sealio728
      @sealio728 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Mine Tobes Eyes are great, no almost all the tubas are Bb, I was thinking BBb was a thing and that this huge tuba in the video was that, which I definitely have not seen.

  • @Samplehorse
    @Samplehorse 7 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    When you actuate those valves it sounds so amazing. I've always loved the sound of a tuba's valves. Makes me, a euphonium player very jealous.

    • @TrentHamilton
      @TrentHamilton  7 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      That's such a bizarre thing to like.

    • @201watermelon
      @201watermelon 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      im a euph too and read bass clef

    • @aaronvannatta9329
      @aaronvannatta9329 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      why though? it actually bothers me. As a euphonium major, I've always envied trumpets and even more so woodwind instruments for having such short valve action, allowing for such fast playing

    • @Metal-Possum
      @Metal-Possum 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Penelope Jenkins Either you're American, or part of an Orchestra or similar and not a brass band of the English manner.

    • @martergaming
      @martergaming 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      im a baritone player

  • @steamboat75043
    @steamboat75043 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I am an American professional tuba player, albeit in a 1920s fox trot orchestra and I have been playing tuba since high school and euphonium/baritone before that. (40+ yrs) I will offer some random thoughts to consider. For what its worth, the Besson Sovereign euphonium a friend had, years ago, had such a large bore that I could play it into the tuba range and make a decent sound. So I always felt that horn was as close as a tenor tuba as you could get. My main euphonium for years was a miraphone and not a wagner tuben oval style, but more like a 186 in 3/4 scale. It had odd tuning but once I was used to it, it was a bright horn that really stood out and gave me a signature sound compared to the very popular Yamaha 4v and Besson (and clone) 3+1 compensating euphoniums. I also had a 1912 Holton 5 valve double bell which was almost a 3+2 in that your left hand played the bell switch 5th valve and the 4th valve which was an extremely flat 1-3 combo which let you play in the tuba range without being sharp. 4th valve was almost a register valve and you wouldn't use it as a 2-4 for B natural either or alone for C. The horn was intended to play B and C as 1-2-3 and 1-3. The 2 valves were lined up with the other 3, but on a slightly different level and were angled down like 20 degrees more towards using the left hand (front/forward action). If you put the euphonium and baritone in the tuba family, as conical bore instruments (consider that as opposed to the trombone family), you could also put the almost defunct alto horn in that family as well. Altos were still around 40 years ago but I almost never see them any more. Then there were the back-firing over the shoulder horns of the American Civil war which went down to the trumpet bore and those were played with the band in front of the marching troops to lift the men's spirits, so that would complete the family. I have played the contrabass trombone, both Jin Bao and Miraphone and the Jin Bao's lighter slide makes it easier to play but with less sound than the miraphone, but when I get into that range on that horn (normally play a King Duo Gravis bass trombone) it seems that if those horns had increasing slide bores through each of the slide tube sets then they would play much better. I had hope for the contrabass but it just never worked for me. Getting back to the tuba, I have had Miraphones and a Chinese copy of the Miraphone 191 which was a very nice horn. I have owned a besson 3v compensating tuba and it played in better tune than any horn I have ever owned. The tuba fits me and so I don't have trouble playing it, although my various demo vids on my channel might not seem like it, but in the fox trot orchestra vids you might get a better example. In America many like the 4 valve forward action tubas rather than the upright action on the besson. I have both. I have a 1925 King 3v fixed recording bell forward/front action, a 1916 York 3v upright tuba with upright action, a 1912 Conn Sousaphone which plays amazingly well, and an 1880s thoan helicon 4 rotary valve instrument. Forward/upright - don't care. With the American style instruments, especially the vintage horns I play (which need a heavier synthetic valve oil to seal up) the pitch is not nearly as centered as the besson, but this is not really a problem. The besson also has a nice mellow sound and I used it when I'd get a classical orchestra call. If you play enough, having the horn not centered means a bit harder to play, but you can move the pitch around as well as change the tone to match what is going on. I don't do all the valve slide pulling you see a lot of players doing to fine tune the horn. Since I am playing in the foxtrot orchestra I'll try to imitate a string bass if not present (play the same music - an octave up from standard American Bass Clef notation) depending on music style and other times play fat and sassy on the New Orleans style music. On the Savoy Christmas Medley, which is very British, I'll try to make a Besson sound and we often try to play that chart like a Holst or Vaughn Williams suite. Years ago using a BBb 3v tuba was frowned upon in the orchestra, but I had no problem doing it and Everett Gilmore of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra always used BBb tubas. BBbs have been making a come back for big honk numbers like Puccini, Strauss, and Wagner for their bark/punch rather than the darker CC tuba. You can see the difference in construction by looking at Miraphone CC and BBb tubas. I have absolutely no talent for new fingering styles, so F, CC, and Eb are all out, and since I am a euphonium player my upper range is pretty good. I have enjoyed many of your videos especially on the reviews of some of the import junk. You are really providing a public service on those videos. One final note is to look at Conn 20/24J tubas and 20/24K Sousaphones. Conn put in oblong tubing between the valves and off set the 1 and 3 valve buttons to have them closer to the 2nd valve button. The idea was to have a trumpet valve throw/action on a rather large bore instrument. I have owned a 20J and the transitions from note to note are odd but once you get used to it (horn response on valve combinations not as consistent as other makers) they work really well. The 20J was an improved 36J which has a really long valve throw and makes the twiddly bits very hard. If you can play the Vaughn Williams on a 36J you are a better man than I am. Both the 20 and 36 horns could be upright or recording bells and are of the 6/4 size and put out a LOT of sound. But for everything I do, nothing larger than 4/4 size is required. I like the Yamaha euphonium - 4 valves upright in right hand - and I also have a bell forward martin baritone and a 3v York baritone more like the British style. I also like the compensating horns although it takes a bit to get used to the 3+1 valve placement. I have also played Olds and Martin tubas and like them, and one of the best tubas I ever played was a rare King rotary valve tuba that I just could not get away from the owner for any price. That one really fit me. Even the owner immediately commented on the good sound I got from the horn after only a few notes with it. I have also played the little Jupiter 3v 387 tuba and found it fun to play and agile - you might like that a lot better for your etudes than the massive Besson compensating tuba. Also mouthpiece makes a huge difference. I use a number of different ones depending on style. Try a loud LM12 or even an LM10 as they are very shallow and articulate very well (at least for me). The LM10 tends to bark really easy so you have to be very careful with that one. The one make of tubas I have never liked are Yamahas, other than the 621, which fits me very well. The 641 rotary - blech. The 4v upright action - less blech. And their compensating tuba, well, it didn't fit me and I found the Besson much more to my liking. In fact they had the Yamaha compensating on sale at a local music store and I took my 1916 York and a tuba buddy to test it and compare to the York. The York won hands down from both of us. The compensating Yamaha was easier to keep on pitch, but, for anything else, triple blech, especially for cost, weight, sound, and whatever. Anyway, I hope these comments are helpful to you and your viewers and you might have to take comments from a 'my little pony playing a sousaphone' with a grain of salt! ;)

    • @tesmith47
      @tesmith47 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      that was great, good to hear from the pros like you. im a rank amateur i ldont play that well, but i love my 5/4 BBflat miraphone rotary gonna play it till i die!!!

  • @ultimatu2130
    @ultimatu2130 6 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    As a Bb tuba player, I often have to ignore dynamic markings so I can actually get enough air through the instrument so the note stabilizes. And as we get louder and louder, around fff and ffff, I'm breathing every 3-4 beats at around 180bpm

    • @puregaming3976
      @puregaming3976 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I can agree with that

    • @TheLittleTrombone_01
      @TheLittleTrombone_01 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can agree with your agreeing

    • @spaghettiopizza8686
      @spaghettiopizza8686 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      i can agree with your agreeing with the original agreement

    • @Aduysvmncmkouyf
      @Aduysvmncmkouyf 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@spaghettiopizza8686 I can agree with your agree of the agreeing with the original agreement.

    • @THEbigThugga
      @THEbigThugga ปีที่แล้ว

      I can agree with your agreeing of his agreeing of the agreement to the original agreement.

  • @wwemario12345
    @wwemario12345 7 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    Also. WHO THE HECK WOULD CALL A FLUGELHORN A SOPRANO TUBA. I love the flugelhorn and I love the tube but they are incredibly different.

    • @Xzyum00
      @Xzyum00 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      They are both generally B flat brass instruments that have an extremely conical bore. And one points forward while the other points semi upwards. Their origins are different however. But other than range they are very similar, but I still think the soprano tuba is a terrible name for a FlugelHorn.

    • @jaredjohns777
      @jaredjohns777 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      wwemario12345 I say if someone really wants to unite Flugelhorns and Tubas under a single name then call the Flugel a Soprano Horn and a Tuba a Contra(bass) Horn.

    • @arielhernansuaznabar9527
      @arielhernansuaznabar9527 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jared Johns that's the way they're are called in spanish (although people will always prefer to the tuba a tuba)

    • @jeffersonroberts8263
      @jeffersonroberts8263 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      So angry for the word heck

    • @iben1524
      @iben1524 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love tubes too

  • @spillingvoid1
    @spillingvoid1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I haven't look at a sheet of brass music in almost 20 years. I was surprised at how much of the finger positions I remember. Makes me want to dig out my beat up old trumpet and start practicing again.

    • @bobjacobson858
      @bobjacobson858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hope you go for it!. I'm 69 y/o, and started on clarinet in elementary school, but had really wanted to play brass. Now that I'm retired, I decided to buy a used trombone off eBay and have had a lot of fun with that, and then I decided a trumpet would add some nice variety so I bought that, too--I think I'm becoming 'addicted' to using valves! I hadn't played my clarinet for a long time, but after a day or so of squeaks, I've also gotten back to that. I had also taken up string bass in high school, but unfortunately that's in a storage unit right now and I have only a small car, but I hope to get that home, too.

  • @legoshaakti
    @legoshaakti 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I love it when you say "B flet chooba"

  • @clementplath1292
    @clementplath1292 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Enjoyed this video, Trent. I played (and thoroughly enjoyed) both EEb and BBb bass for many years, thus your only comment with which I would disagree is the versatility of the BB. Yes, the EE can be as nimble as a eupho, but I had no trouble getting around three octaves on the BB! It only takes practice, GOOD breath control, and more practice!

  • @MichaelFClef
    @MichaelFClef 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent. Thank you. Great demonstration.

  • @MAXYISSICK
    @MAXYISSICK 7 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thanks for playing my music!

  • @stevebuttram3044
    @stevebuttram3044 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks Trent for the video very helpfull

  • @ivardozon8064
    @ivardozon8064 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Solo sounds great actually. Love the tuba sound.

  • @brianjay12
    @brianjay12 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    LOVE the intro

  • @user-dl8yo3wv1t
    @user-dl8yo3wv1t 7 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Lol, "Chuba"

  • @mangogod8664
    @mangogod8664 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't know if I should feel offended by part of this video as a tuba player. GOOD JOB TRENT! YOU MAKE ME QUESTION MY FEELINGS BECAUSE OF THE VIDEO!

  • @benjaminfrenandez8696
    @benjaminfrenandez8696 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    You did my request thank you

  • @calzie99
    @calzie99 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't know whether you've heard the same; but I was always told the the reason that only bass trombones read bass clef in brass band is due to the variation of fundamental key in early bass trombones.

  • @levicockell6334
    @levicockell6334 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Where he is saying it is treble clef, he is referring to the British brass band. I play both bass trombone and B♭ bass, and it is bass clef for the trombone, and treble clef on the B♭

  • @bryanskeen482
    @bryanskeen482 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Never use valves 1 and 3 together or 1, 2 and 3 use the 4th one that's why it's there.

    • @Tacoman542
      @Tacoman542 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not why it’s there. It allows you to play chromatically, not there for the fingering.

  • @BassTrombone95
    @BassTrombone95 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tenor tubas actually exist, they're just very rare in today's world. As far as bore size and shape, they are somewhere in between a baritone horn and a euphonium, but they're the same pitch as both of those, Bb. I think some might be in C as well. Unlike the baritone horn and euphonium though, they have front action rotary valves, similar to some orchestral bass and contrabass tubas. They're so rare that I've never even seen one in person, and in cases where there's a written tenor tuba part, it's often played on a euphonium rather than a true tenor tuba. As far as I know though, it's the smallest of the tuba "family". I don't know of any alto or soprano tubas. This was a great video, keep up the good work!

  • @anglegrinder
    @anglegrinder 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love it

  • @hoseawhitt9723
    @hoseawhitt9723 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Bb tubas are really not that bad. They sound wonderful if played by a well seasoned TUBA player. It is harder to adjust if you are pkaying a smaller instrument like the euphonium which has a much smaller mouth piece and then switching to tuba. You have to give it time. I know because I play both but Bb tuba is my main instrument.

  • @samteuscher7049
    @samteuscher7049 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I love your insights, but I disagree with you saying it can't make a good sound. I am a tuba player, and I specifically play Bb tuba. With proper technique training it can sound just as good as an Eb tuba. I may have misunderstood you, but I am stating my opinion. I don't mean to offend you in any way, I learn a lot from your videos. Also you may know this already, but in America all low instruments play in the bass clef.

    • @stevecast6515
      @stevecast6515 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      He never said it can't make a good sound, he just said it's harder to play fast, moving lines on a Bb compared to an Eb. No offense intended, just wanted to clarify.

    • @samteuscher7049
      @samteuscher7049 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for clarifying.

    • @54321blader
      @54321blader 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well, not ALL low instruments; Bass clarinet is often in treble clef, for example, because most bass clarinetists transferred from a different kind of clarinet that read treble, so making them learn bass clef, though possibly helpful in the long run, would likely deter many people and those that still wanted to learn the instrument may be confused.

    • @TheAvgCommentator
      @TheAvgCommentator 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Basoon is the only bass clef woodwind, unless you count the many Bari Sax players reading a tuba part right now.

    • @Leo-vr3bg
      @Leo-vr3bg 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Baritone can be read in treble clef as well.

  • @masterpage69420
    @masterpage69420 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    All the basses at my corps are in 3 + 1 config, except for my grandfather's one which is 4 on the top. Also his is the only Bb bass.

  • @rikuurufu5534
    @rikuurufu5534 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm about as unmusical a music enthusiast as they come. You played that disaster better than I ever will.

  • @jasongreek2342
    @jasongreek2342 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have only ever played normal, 3 valve, worn and beaten BBb tubas in the 23 years I've been doing it... until this week. I was handed an EEb compensating 3+1 tuba to clean and lube, as well as repair a few broken solder joints.
    This is what has been missing in my life. My goodness I don't know how I'll be able to give it back.

  • @heathkennedy1406
    @heathkennedy1406 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe that the company Miraphone made some kaiser tenor tubas with 5 valves; pitched in Bb. But I'm not quite sure as to whether it's a euph or not.

  • @Ningen01Omega
    @Ningen01Omega ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think you sound really good

  • @garygreen7552
    @garygreen7552 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I played a Besson for a while in college and did not like it. I now play an old Miraphone which I love. There are tenor tuba parts in some Wagner and in Holst's "Planets." I believe that the euphonium is often thought of as being a tenor tuba. As for agility: the tuba player in the Canadian Brass challenged a flutest to see who could do "Flight of Bumble Bee" faster. The tuba won. It does take a lot of air to play the bass tubas. The only wind instrument that takes as much is the flute. You might find it worth your while to listen to some recordings of some great players. Roger Bobo, once based in Los Angeles, comes to mind. There are excellent recordings of the Vaughn Williams tuba concerto that show the range of the instrument. Yes, these are probably played on the smaller F instrument, but still... I could go on. I do enjoy your videos.

  • @jackodoyle2061
    @jackodoyle2061 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My brass band has one of theese and ive only played it once and i was out of breath within minutes
    I'm a euphonium players so i knew the fingering but it was still quite to endeavour

  • @clockWorks10
    @clockWorks10 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Omg you count like a singer lol. Love the vids keep them up!

  • @24eGardian
    @24eGardian 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Have you ever played a German-style tuba? My experiences with the British-style tuba is almost as bad as yours. I learned to play the tuba on a very old Musica tuba and I never played a British-style tuba before. But the first time I played on a British-style tuba I was shocked by how sluggish it played. It has a big and full sound, the kind of sound you would need for a brass band, but it was not plesant to play at all. There was no controle and I needed a ridiculous amount of air. What is your opinion about the differences between the German-style tuba and the British-style tuba? Big chance that you have never played a C tuba, but those tubas are amazing. I'm currently playing on a Chinese copy of a Hirsbrunner in a symphony orchestra and they have a lot more controle throughout the whole register. C tubas are extremely agile and can still deliver a big sound. I'm asuming you don't play the C-tuba and if you have the opportunity to play on a C tuba then you should. The differences between the Bb tubas and the C tubas are very interresting and they both have different purposes.

    • @TrentHamilton
      @TrentHamilton  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Unfortunately the only tubas I am familiar with are brass band focused Eb and Bb tubas :(

    • @dannermassey9395
      @dannermassey9395 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      micheal Kirby I did not know you could play a tuna

    • @dannermassey9395
      @dannermassey9395 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      micheal Kirby I did not know you could play a tuna

    • @jaredjohns777
      @jaredjohns777 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      lavdpoel I personally tried many Tubas. So far I have personally like some slightly older American Orchestral Tubas. As well as this nice Yamaha Convertible I'm currently on. I however am not a fan of the TITANIC British-Made Tubas like the one in this video. I simply see no need for them. I personally like some expression in the Contra-Range, however even in long stretches I find even some smaller Deutsch-Made Tubas handle better and produce a more full sound. So I guess the general premise is that bigger isn't always better.

    • @24eGardian
      @24eGardian 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jared Johns I definitely agree. The huge British tubas look impressive and they have a strong and full sound in the mid range. But it has no control in the upper and lower range. The amount of air resistance in the contra range is just not working. I also play solo repertoire on tuba and that's when you need the agility and control of an orchestral tuba.

  • @limey3654
    @limey3654 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    there is a contrabass clarinet

  • @christinabishop7352
    @christinabishop7352 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I think you did really good for an amateur tuba player

    • @noah.g4226
      @noah.g4226 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not

    • @mason11198
      @mason11198 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@noah.g4226 No, for a person who grew up in bass range and did trumpet stuff too, that is very impressive. His tone leads things to be desired, but he improved on that over the years and can make a much more solid sound.

  • @samuelrobinson5842
    @samuelrobinson5842 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I play an orchestral style B Bb. I like orchestral a lot better than the valves where yours are placed. It is hard to get agile, but I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world.
    By the way, that Euphonium solo that you played, I believe it was Down In the Deep Deep Cellar and I actually played a bery similar version for my tuba solo two years ago

  • @owensmith7530
    @owensmith7530 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Having heard Trent play beautifully on a very wide range of brass instruments, it is a relief to find I can at least play BBb Tuba better than Trent (or could when I was still playing regularly). I suggest you try a larger mouthpiece, that one does not look big enough for this largest of tubas. I play that model on a Bach 7 mouthpiece, which at the time I bought it was the largest Vincent Bach made. I play EEb Tuba on a Denis Wick 1L so I have no particular loyalty, I use what works for me.

    • @bobjacobson858
      @bobjacobson858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Maybe the fact he was actually using a bass trombone mouthpiece might have made some difference.

  • @marksolheim6188
    @marksolheim6188 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Funny. The Tubas I played were all bass clef, as were the tenor trombones.

    • @mason11198
      @mason11198 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think Trent was referring to how some brass bands (or most idk) read tuba. Orchestra and most American/Canadian stuff I know is in strictly bass clef, maybe tenor if the composer gets ambitious.

  • @ultimatu2130
    @ultimatu2130 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Trent, Bb tubas require a lot of tonguing to make anything sound good. I rarely slur notes when down low and for me personally, the mouthpiece I’m using makes a big difference. On a Conn Helleberg or a System Blue SBTU mouthpiece, I’m meh at best. When I change over to a deeper cup mouthpiece like a Wessex Chief, things smooth out and sound much nicer overall for me. It can be a bit expensive, but trying out different cup sizes and rim sizes might help you

  • @elliotnewton6899
    @elliotnewton6899 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That’s why the euphonium is the best

    • @mason11198
      @mason11198 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well one is in orchestra and the other isn't sooooooo

    • @galvinmorgan2263
      @galvinmorgan2263 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      euph is based - unbiased opinion man

    • @mr.starfish4965
      @mr.starfish4965 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mason11198 You’re kinda right. A normal tuba? Yes. You probably wouldn’t see a compensating tuba in an orchestra.

  • @54321blader
    @54321blader 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    You should see a 6/4 BBb Tuba, those are quite a sight to behold.

    • @CorvetteCoonass
      @CorvetteCoonass 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I own one of those and it is indeed a sight to behold.

  • @DrowseeGameplay
    @DrowseeGameplay 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    "Something I have featured on my channel many times before"
    Once you said that, I knew for certain it was Carnival of Venice

  • @talonwhite694
    @talonwhite694 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    you mentioned the intonation problems in the upper register for Eb tubas. Would that still be a problem on F tubas? They are commonly used for a lot of the same things, being smaller tubas, but I've only ever played on BBb or CC tubas, and I don't have that much knowledge on the smaller ones.

  • @tacoburger5
    @tacoburger5 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you please make a video on a post horn!!! the nice long one and the curly one with three valves

  • @Maurits580
    @Maurits580 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    2:42 they have both valves

  • @Xenol1997
    @Xenol1997 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hogwash. Look at the marches of K. Alford. The Bass lines are as dexterous as the euph lines. Semi quavers at 120bpm etc. Army of the Nile has some especially interesting bits. The Bb just requires a lot of careful lip control, since the partials are not as distinct as with many other instruments.

  • @MichaelMiller-rg6or
    @MichaelMiller-rg6or 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    You should do a video on the Wagner Tuba.

  • @Toledo2bateacher
    @Toledo2bateacher 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think the saprano/alto/tenor/bass is from the sax brass family naming. As a tuba player I am fine with tenor and bass naming F and Eb as tenor and C and Bb as bass. I prefer F and C over Eb and Bb but that is my opinion.

  • @dogemusicproductions7444
    @dogemusicproductions7444 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    9:34 that solo is very doable, and btw... TUBA POWER!

  • @Ningen01Omega
    @Ningen01Omega ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The tuba sounds like a trumpet with a lot of bass

  • @ataurus62
    @ataurus62 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Git it Trent!

  • @kuro1689
    @kuro1689 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    2:55 are you still planning on doing that video?

  • @jerrybyers2172
    @jerrybyers2172 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    A long time ago (but not in a galaxy far, far away), I had a Besson BBb "recording bass". I ran outta money, and had to sell it, Decades later (35 years), I had some money and bought 2 CC tubas, 1 EEb tuba, and a BBb tuba. I played the Besson in a "Guy Lombardo" style dance band, but thay became obsolete with the advent of one-man bands with a guitar and a bass drum, and singing obscenities. Now, at age 82, I have been playing in my church orchestra. But the Besson BBb was a fine instrument, and apparently still is.

    • @kevintheblacksmith
      @kevintheblacksmith ปีที่แล้ว

      I play a Besson recording bell tuba . I really love it. Fine instrument

  • @gucciman6757
    @gucciman6757 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I play tuba in my school band

  • @jacobhanshaw671
    @jacobhanshaw671 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    "flight of the bumblebee?"

  • @noodles3605
    @noodles3605 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you do a review about the real Bb sausaphone pls

  • @mr.incredible6276
    @mr.incredible6276 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    The tuba is focused on the treble clef in the brass band, but the only instrument in the brass band that is focused on the bass clef is the bass trombone.

  • @therealvascha3527
    @therealvascha3527 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Since it has compensating value?

  • @elianandrey6729
    @elianandrey6729 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Que sonho poder tocar uma dessas

  • @willy_wombat
    @willy_wombat 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great ❤

  • @Earlybirdgarage
    @Earlybirdgarage 7 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I say your comments are valid, but due to you lack of experience you are missing out a lot. I marched a BBb tuba. I had solos.I have also played 16th notes on it. It is hard dont get me wrong however it is very capable. I have never seen BBb tuba music in treble clef. When I look up practice music all of it is in bass clef. I notice when you play the instrument that you lower yourself to the instrument instead of lifting the tuba to yourself. Im 6'3 and had to straddle the underside to bring it up.

    • @FishMr3
      @FishMr3 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      All British style Brass band music is in treble clef.

    • @Earlybirdgarage
      @Earlybirdgarage 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +mr fish well. America then.

    • @michaelsodt9402
      @michaelsodt9402 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jeffrey Early oo

    • @Xenol1997
      @Xenol1997 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Besson BBbs are famously tall, I've never seen a player fit one of these on their lap without the mouthpiece being on your forehead.

    • @mr.incredible6276
      @mr.incredible6276 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      the only instrument in english brass bands that is focused on the bass clef is the bass t-bone

  • @nicholastrombone9899
    @nicholastrombone9899 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well the tuba and flugelhorn both have a very warm dark sound

    • @moddim
      @moddim 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nicholas' Trombone the old metal Bb clarinets sound bright like a soprano sax so it must be a saxophone

  • @201watermelon
    @201watermelon 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    thats a big friend

  • @serpensphile
    @serpensphile 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's a BASS instrument. It's not really made to play in the high registers. It's meant to provide that low "footing" that the rest of the instruments build upon. It's not meant to be a solo instrument- although there are some amazing players that can pull it off!

  • @Shrek-iv8gu
    @Shrek-iv8gu 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have played the BBb concert for 2 years until i switched to the Contra Tuba for my Highschool Marching Band which i am in my freshman year of.
    Every tuba i have every seen plays in Bass Clef not Treble that may be one of the issues you were having

  • @joegould7459
    @joegould7459 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    He’s not really wrong about the bb tuba. Having had to play it as the only choice of tuba for 7 years, I’m only just now being told in college that I have to switch to cc because it is more maneuverable and is easier to play in general. It is true, however I wish they had told me this years ago so I could be used to the fingerings for when the music gets harder I’m ready. But is what it is

  • @cyndie26
    @cyndie26 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    If one could master the pedal register, do you think it would be possible to cover tuba parts on a euphonium?

    • @markwebster3105
      @markwebster3105 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      No!! The bass is capable of two octaves lower than the euphonium and no amount of practice will make it sound right.

  • @anglegrinder
    @anglegrinder 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:55 I could not stop laughing

  • @tatstheasfan5754
    @tatstheasfan5754 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a b flat tuba with rotary valves.
    Also my band uses base cliff

    • @banzai5780
      @banzai5780 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry to be "that guy" but its bass clef. Just helping out, fellow brass player. :)

    • @DerFleisch
      @DerFleisch ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@banzai5780 - He could have been talking about the former bass player from Metallica.

  • @ThatShapeshifter
    @ThatShapeshifter 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Have you ever tried playing a woodwind instrument?

    • @TrentHamilton
      @TrentHamilton  7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yes. I own an alto sax, tenor sax, flute, and clarinet, and can play all four somewhat.

    • @ThatShapeshifter
      @ThatShapeshifter 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Cool. Do you think you can make a video on playing them?

    • @TrentHamilton
      @TrentHamilton  7 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Probably not - I've never studied woodwind instruments and don't have anything to add regarding them.

    • @ThatShapeshifter
      @ThatShapeshifter 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh, ok👌👍

  • @exploringwithbrodyjw3752
    @exploringwithbrodyjw3752 ปีที่แล้ว

    you should try the ophicleide

  • @tobybourne4955
    @tobybourne4955 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Actually I know a professional tuba/bass player and he has 4 tubas and one of them he said it a tenor tuba

  • @AFN2750
    @AFN2750 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I do think that describing euphonium as a “smaller tuba” to the layperson makes 100% sense, because they have no frame of reference for what a “euphonium” is. It’s just a way to explain it

  • @douglasfur3808
    @douglasfur3808 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice new title sequence. it seems like the B tuba is right at the physical limits of a brass instrument. So much metal and air to get moving in a sympathetic way and forget speed. All those loops and connections between pipes increase the chance that something, metal or air will be vibrating out of sync with the intended note. The contrabass trombone has less of the above and plays easier.

    • @stevecast6515
      @stevecast6515 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Shame his broke...

    • @Aduysvmncmkouyf
      @Aduysvmncmkouyf 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The contrabass trombone has the same amount of tubing

  • @vobitouchiha7630
    @vobitouchiha7630 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    are these his newest episode

  • @user-dl8yo3wv1t
    @user-dl8yo3wv1t 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That poor Tuba, I can't stand when people set them on their bells, or on the ground in general, wipe them down and set them in their case. Great video though!

    • @ricardskrumins7282
      @ricardskrumins7282 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      that is what the thin plastic tube around the bell is for, it protects it from scratches

    • @markwebster3105
      @markwebster3105 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ricardskrumins7282 the Besson doesn’t have the plastic unless you fit one yourself.

  • @gucciman6757
    @gucciman6757 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Trent I play the Bb Tuba in my school band and you need some work on your tuba skills but other then that great video

  • @munty-2074
    @munty-2074 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does anyone know the name of the song at the intro?

  • @CorvetteCoonass
    @CorvetteCoonass 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I played a Boosey & Hawkes Imperial BBb back in high school. The low end was kinda stuffy, but honestly it wasn't that bad. As far as the BBb tuba being sluggish, that's entirely the player's fault. I play with a pro level tubist in my community band and he shreds like you wouldn't believe on a Miraphone 186.

    • @tonydelamont1406
      @tonydelamont1406 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I used to play a 186 and it would play absolutely any part in any register at any speed. Great horn.

  • @wilderrolandohernandezalva7539
    @wilderrolandohernandezalva7539 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    what is the piece that he played? please

  • @Boe1771
    @Boe1771 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In this video: a euphonium player explains why he fails at the tuba.
    As a tuba player I cringe at the video, but I don't blame you at all, as I behave nice on the internet.
    I also try out other instruments and yes, it's difficult.

  • @vinniejohnson9248
    @vinniejohnson9248 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    this is a BIG tuba !

    • @CorvetteCoonass
      @CorvetteCoonass 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not as big as say my BMB BBb 6/4 tuba. The Besson 994 tubas are tall, nothing more though. The bugles themselves are no bigger than that of a Miraphone 186. The bottom bow of my BAT is as big around as the bell throat of a Besson 994, it's huge to say the least.

  • @adumbaby
    @adumbaby 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    The valves make so much noise holy shit. They're huge.

  • @storm14k
    @storm14k 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Maybe it's an American thing but never seen a tuba played with treble clef music. But as far as the abilities of the horn it's just a different beast and not a direct jump from the other brass instruments. But the pieces you played are on the level of things I've played way back in the day for high school contests/all region tryouts. I've never liked piston tubas for that level of playing though. I'm a complete rotary valve fanboy for that. And even on sousaphone I really prefer the short throw valves.

    • @markwebster3105
      @markwebster3105 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s a British thing. In a British brass band, the basses have always been in treble clef.

  • @BoneZone
    @BoneZone 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I play the tenor slide tuba

  • @waltermccord550
    @waltermccord550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A euphonium is actually a tenor tuba.

  • @archerstown
    @archerstown 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I play Tuba for my school and I LOVE playing Tuba. I played trumpet for many years until now, so this is very cool.

  • @aftertheelectrike1847
    @aftertheelectrike1847 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you think it's normal to have your entire face vibrate after a few minutes of playing on a B-flat tuba? I play B-flat tuba in my school's wind ensemble.
    Also, regarding the agility... I have literally missed a lot of notes because the tuba(s) I use have poor agility. I have a Yamaha YBB201 at home (renting it from the school) and its agility is pretty bad, but not too sloppy. It's the four valve rotary tuba that has a lot more problems with agility, as I sometimes struggle to get multiple notes in a row. Is there a way to make agility better?

    • @Aduysvmncmkouyf
      @Aduysvmncmkouyf 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yikes, that’s not normal check in on google or your band director

  • @seanwhite7671
    @seanwhite7671 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    The tuba along with the euphonium, baritone, tenor/alto horn, and flugelhorn all are saxhorns so the tuba is a bass saxhorn, the flugelhorn could be called a soprano saxhorn

    • @wilhelmorangenbaum2
      @wilhelmorangenbaum2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tubas predates saxhorns, Moritz Tuba designs predates Sax designs.
      Saxhorns as a whole are just a myth, Sax only put his name to already existing instruments.

  • @eduardlumicao9272
    @eduardlumicao9272 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ummm...can you make a rewiew about a 1100 Series JTU1140 Tuba

  • @andrewdye7881
    @andrewdye7881 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's weird that it reads in treble clef because in my country it reads in the bass clef

  • @derreth
    @derreth 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    What are the things under the valves?

    • @markwebster3105
      @markwebster3105 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Drip catchers. Keeps the instrument clean.

  • @jjschm20
    @jjschm20 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Let’s listen to this disaster together. What an invitation. I can’t say no.