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Within
the broad category of background brass we've included Tenor
Horn, Baritone, Euphonium and Tuba. Below are sections on
each of the individual instruments, however, we have grouped
them all together as many of the technical specifications
and options available relate to all these Instruments.
Compensation
In terms of specification, background instruments can broadly be
classed into two groups: "compensating" and "non-compensating".
To understand compensation one needs to understand the underlying
physics of brass instrument tone production. To lower a note by an
octave, the tube to produce it needs to be doubled in length. Thus
the tubing of a Bb trumpet is 4ft long, where as the tubing of a
Bb trombone (one octave lower) is 8ft long.
Therefore to change the pitch of a note the length of tubing has
to be altered by a relative proportion, rather than an absolute length.
With a Bb tuba the length of it's tubing (open valves) is 16ft. To
lower its pitch by a semi tone therefore one would need to add an
extra 1/12th to its length (16 inches). Thus the 2nd valve slide
will be 16" long.
However a Bb tuba with its 1st and 3rd valves depressed will be 22'8" in
length. Thus to add an extra semi tone one needs to add an extra
22 2/3 inches. However, the 2nd valve slide is only 16 inches long.
Therefore to add the extra 6 2/3 inches to bring the note in tune
the compensating "knuckles" on the back of the valve block
need to be engaged.
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Thus
with a compensating system, the extra tubing is automatically
engaged keeping the instrument in-tune with itself, however
a non-compensating instrument would play sharp (due to lack
of tubing).
In smaller instruments such as cornets and trumpets compensation
can be manually adjusted for using 1st and 3rd valve slides. However,
the lengths involved in lower brass instruments means that compensating
systems become a necessity for accurate tuning. |
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Valves
In order to increase an instrument's range (downwards) a 4th valve
is often added - taking the pitch down 21/2 tones when engaged. Obviously,
the greater the length of tubing added to the instrument the better
the range but the greater the need for compensation. The 4th valve
is usually positioned away from the main valve block on the side
of the instrument, and played with the left hand. |
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Finish
The choice of lacquer or silver has no effect on the instrument's
tone. We therefore generally suggest customers should choose lacquer
instruments for student models. All the instruments recommended have
good quality lacquer and silver instruments are charged at a premium
and often "made to order".
When choosing a Besson model professional instrument however we strongly
suggest choosing Silver, as both options are the same price, silver
is harder wearing, easier to repair, and less prone to manufacturing
finish defects which can be particularly prevalent on larger instruments.
Baritone v Euphonium!
What's the difference? - Each is pitched in Bb and look similar.
In essence, it's the instruments bores. Baritones have much smaller
bores than euphoniums, which in turn allows instrument makers to
configure the tubing into a more compact instrument. The combined
effect is two instruments with markedly different playing characteristics
and tone.
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Tuba
Specifications
In the UK the "normal" tubas used are pitched in Eb (orchestras,
wind bands & brass bands) and Bb (brass bands). This contrasts with
the US and Europe when tubas in Bb, C and F are more prevalent. In
addition, UK players traditionally prefer instruments with top sprung
piston valves, whereas in Europe and the US front action and/or rotary
valves are more common. All the instruments listed are Eb and Bb
top action piston models. |
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Student
Instrument Recommendations
All the student instruments recommended are three valve non-compensating
instruments - making the instruments lighter and less expensive.
For Tenor Horn, Baritone & Euphonium, the Besson 1000 series
models are the market leaders - fantastic value and good quality
instruments.
More expensive but recommended are the Jupiter Tenor Horn, Baritone & Euphonium
which are all good well made instruments.
In terms of student tubas the only instruments purchased are Eb models.
By far the best available is the Besson 1077. |
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Intermediate Instrument recommendations
The only real option for intermediate level instruments is the Besson
7000 series range. The euphonium (BE7065), Eb tuba (BE7084) and Bb
tuba (BE7094) models are 4 valve instruments - for greater range,
but without compensation.
Professional Tenor Horn Recommendations
Tenor horns are not large enough to warrant compensation, so all
instruments are 3 valve, non-compensating. Market leader is the Besson
Sovereign (BE950), the only other good option is the Yamaha Maestro
(YAH602). |
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| Professional
Baritone Recommendations Besson is the only real credible
option here. The only choice is whether you choose the 3
valve (BE955), or 4 valve (BE956) model. The 3 valve model
is the most popular as the 4 valve instrument is more expensive
and players have mixed views about its playing characteristics. |
Professional
Euphonium Recommendations
Again here Besson is the market leader with their Sovereign model.
The instrument has two bore options - medium (BE968) or large (BE967)
- with large bore accounting for almost all sales. In addition Besson
now offer a top of the range prestige model (again in two bores -
with large bore being the popular choice), which is a fantastic instrument.
Other options are the Yamaha Maestro (YEP642) or new Custom Model
(YEB842S). |
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Professional
Tuba Recommendations
Besson have a practical monopoly on the UK market here with the popular
models being the 4 valve compensating Sovereign BE982 (Eb) and BE994
(Bb). The only other model sold in this category is the Yamaha Maestro
Eb tuba (YEB632UK). |
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Sousaphones
Whilst not popular in the UK, we occasionally supply sousaphones
- often to "trad jazz" players or marching bands. We can
give you a quotation on request. |
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