Update:
I still *really* love this tuba. In our discussions here about HB, I thought I'd shed some light on this tuba a little bit more being an owner of one now.
It's got quirks. The low register isn't as readily accessible as newer instruments.
Admittedly, it's not a tuba for everybody. However, after consistent playing and gigging with this tuba, the low register is totally fine. I'd describe it as sort of like learning to play a bass tuba; You have to give the tuba what it needs. You can't wail on it like a big 5/4. Slow down, let the tuba work for you, and the low register is definitely there. Low notes (F, E, Eb, and D) speak REALLY well, like on a bigger tuba. It's the A and Ab that take some learning.
Tuning: This is the least in-tune tuba that I've owned. However, the more I play it, the less I actually need to move slides as I get used to this tuba's tendencies. It still likes a pull for 2-4 Db below the staff, and a push for D in the staff. E works fine with 3.
That Eb below the staff that so many complain about being flat - It's not flat. It's right in tune. So is the Ab above it. I don't know what to tell you
-I may have just gotten lucky with this particular tuba.
A few days after I bought it, I noticed the thumb ring coming loose, as well as two popped braces, the lower 4th slide and one on the 5th slide. I took it to Keith Polito, my local repair tech, and he fixed those issues. Keith is also a wonderful tuba player, and told me to never sell this tuba. He really likes it! Thumbs up for that! He used a different solder type (silver?) for the thumb ring, so that thing will never come off again. I guess it's a common thing with these HB's. I don't remember exactly what he used.
I am a bit frustrated, however, that these braces weren't caught before the tuba was sold. It took maybe 5 minutes of me visually inspecting the tuba to notice it. It wasn't buzzing, but I tend to focus on minute things like that, but since it went through Dillon's, I'm just surprised about it.
It may sound like this tuba is "not good" because of the quirks. I'm not trying to portray it that way. In fact, all my other horns had/have quirks. I'm just detailing it more here.
The HB isn't your typical C tuba. It's old-school. Retro, if you will. I can understand why they're so popular with many, but also understand why others dislike them.
It has a really lively character to the sound. It fits into all the different groups and situations I put it in better than any of my big horns. I don't mind the slide-moving. I've played newer horns that needed MUCH more manipulation. Some of the York copies share the weird low register quirks of the HB tubas. Once you figure it out, it's smooth sailing.
In closing: Again, I really, really love this tuba. It's quirky, but I love playing it. I WANT to pick it up every day and play just to play. None of my other horns (except the 5450) made me want to play this much. As I play it more, I figure it out, and I like it even more. Not to mention, it's just gorgeous!
Until next time!
