Holding a King 2341- left hand position?

[DonO.]

This is a question specifically for other players of the 2341, or similar clones/copies. I have tried different places for my left hand/arm. I know some people put their left arm on the upper bow so they are in a position to pull slides. The thing is, though, I don’t pull slides that often- I feel that my horn’s intonation is good enough that I only need to pull for certain notes considerably below low Bb, C above pedal Bb for example. I find that position very uncomfortable, and I don’t see the point of being always ready to pull a slide that only happens very occasionally. So then, there is placing your left hand on the side of the horn to help balance it. But where exactly? Outer tubing? Inner tubing? Center, higher, lower? I’ve tried different places but can’t seem to decide on just one. I would like to achieve a consistent playing position though. I would be grateful for any suggestions. Thank you.

[Rick Denney]

That’s one tuba where I don’t have a “standard” left hand position. It just goes where it goes—I’m not even really aware of it. It’s probably on the outer branch most often.

It also sits in my lap well without a stand, which I routinely use for my bigger tubas.

Rick “but it’s a PITA to empty water every 30 seconds” Denney

[tofu]

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[DonO.]

That’s one tuba where I don’t have a “standard” left hand position. It just goes where it goes—I’m not even really aware of it. It’s probably on the outer branch most often.

Same.

It also sits in my lap well without a stand, which I routinely use for my bigger tubas.

I think this is kinda why. My Conn/King creation has similar ergonomics and is just “easy” to hold. Sometimes my hand is through the horn to touch the slides, sometimes it’s over the top bow.

What I would recommend, @DonO., if you haven’t gotten some already, is some of the grippy shelf liner one can find at Walmart or similar. You can usually find it in black. I cut it into squares and plop a square on the inside anterior part of my left thigh and it basically makes the horn stay in place without much left hand work anyhow.

[bloke]

Hold it precisely at "a place the prevents the tuba from falling on the floor".

[DonO.]

Hold it precisely at "a place the prevents the tuba from falling on the floor".

This is always my intention!

[Nworbekim]

mostly over the top... same with the 186.