Tubas
About Tubas
When it comes to buying a tuba, things can be a bit complicated. They vary in size, materials, price range, brands and many more factors. However, the guide below will help you know the wide range of options and some tips on choosing the best. So, read on!
A tuba is a lowest-pitched instrument in the brass family. It made its first appearance in the mid-19th century and became one of the newer instruments in modern concert bands and orchestras. In America, the one who plays the tuba is known as a tubist or tubaist whereas, in the UK, people call them a tuba player or bass player, in the case of military or brass band. You can find the use in many places like marching bands, jazz bands, and drum and bugle corps. This instrument may range from student to intermediate and professional tubas. However, there are certain differences in design and construction. On this page, we will explore some things you need to know about choosing the best tuba for beginners or professionals.
Things you need to know about tubas
There is a range of options you can find in the market. Bb and C are the most common and popular types for beginners or young players. Bb tubas have extra weight and broad sound that brings balance to the band’s sound. On the other hand, C tubas have a more compact and clearer sound that makes them perfect for orchestra. Eb type is another popular variety that is commonly found in British Brass bands. However, this is also the choice of professional players. Most marching bands use sousaphones that easily wrap around the body. There are many materials, construction sizes options and price ranges to choose from. Read on to know more.
Characteristics of tuba musical instrument
It is a brass instrument characterized by its deep sound and large body. It generally comprises vertically coiled tubing, some valves, a wide conical bore, a bell, and a cup-shaped mouthpiece. Different parts of a tuba are designed and shaped as per standard techniques. The bell is the part where the sound waves emerge. Its size may vary from 12.5 to 20 inches depending upon the structure and sound to be produced. The valves of a tuba can be rotary or piston. Compensating valve, on the other hand, allows for accurate tuning. Lead pipe is the pipe where the tuba mouthpiece is placed. The mouthpiece is the part where the player inputs direct air and lip vibration.
Wagner tuba, Bass tuba & other popular types
There are many types available in the market like marching band tuba, sousaphone, upright, baritone horn, bass tuba, euphonium, Wagner and many more. Each may differ in construction, output, and applicability. For example, most marching bands use sousaphones that easily wrap around the body. Wagner tuba, on the other hand, has features of both French horn and trombone. The Wagner type generally comes in one of F (bass) and Eb (tenor) keys. They contain rotary valves generally. Bass tuba is another kind that usually comes in the key of Eb or F. You can choose from many other types per the application.
Plastic tubas
Plastic instruments are slowly appearing in the music industry now. Earlier it was the trombone, then trumpet, and finally, we have plastic tubas available. It is lightweight in comparison to its metallic counterparts. It has found its use in music schools and concert bands as a result. This is also able to produce good sound. They are cheaper than their brass counterparts, which makes them affordable for beginners. Also, you can find them in a range of colours such as black, red, yellow, and blue. However, it may come with certain disadvantages as well. It may be fragile equipment for you, and also it would require a good level of maintenance.
Tips on how to buy Tubas online in Dubai
Shopping can be an overwhelming experience for you. All that is because of the range of options you will see in the market. No one variety is best. Different models can prove to be the best for different players. However, if you keep a certain consideration in mind, it may become an effortless shopping ride for you. If you are planning to buy tubas online in the UAE, here is a guide to help you.
- Consider the size – Be it a tuba or any other instrument, size is always considered for the player. It usually comes in 3/4, 4/4, or 5/4 size options. The smaller the numerator, the smaller will be the size. An aspiring tubist may go for a small one, whereas a professional will prefer a large one for its rich and dark tone quality.
- Consider material – You can find this instrument in materials like brass, nickel, plastic, and Lacquer and plate finishes. No one material is best for all the tubists. It depends upon personal preferences, budget, requirements, and more factors.
- Consider valve options – There are mainly two types of valves- piston and rotary valves. Piston valve spring-loaded and mechanical. This means it has low purchasing and maintenance costs. A rotary valve, on the other hand, allows better movement between notes.
- Know your expert level – This is also an important consideration. This instrument may range from student to intermediate and professional tubas. Your choice should be according to the level of expertise you have.
Now that you know much about this excellent instrument, would you like to explore the best collection? Well, you do not have to move anywhere else. Right here on our retail search engine , i.e. Shops.ae, you can access many choices. You can find the best tuba brands here like Alexander, Boosey and Hawkes, Bach, Neotech, and Tuba World. Also, we have more than 500 online shops on our website that sell musical instruments at affordable prices. If you want to quicken your search, then use filters. By that, you will be able to narrow down the choices easily as per requirements and budget. So, go ahead and browse now!
Question & Answer
What are tubas made of?
You can find this instrument in materials like brass, nickel, plastic, and Lacquer and plate finishes. No one material is best for the tubist. Your choice should depend upon your preferences, budget, and requirements. Different materials may have different properties. For example, Brass tubas can be bought in yellow or gold. However, gold has expensive and has a higher copper content that results in dark tone quality. Nickel/Silver, on the other hand, produces a clear and bright sound quality.
What do tubas sound like?
It is a brass instrument characterized by its deep sound and large body. It is often a part of marches and other compositions where a strong beat is required. To produce low or high pitches, the player needs to adjust the opening of the lips. The sound may also depend upon the tubing length. The shorter the tubing length, the higher the sound and vice versa. There are many materials, construction sizes options and price ranges to choose from. So, its sound also depends upon the type of tuba you bring.
When did the tuba originate?
The first tuba was developed on September 12, 1835. About its name, it comes from the Latin word for “tube.” But it was also used as an ancient bronze instrument in Greece and Rome. It has valves right from the beginning, unlike other instruments such as trumpet and horn. The tuba largely replaced the ophicleide and other similar instruments. There is a wide range of options you can find in the market. Bb and C are the most common and popular types for beginners or young players.
Where to buy tuba online in the UAE?
If you are looking for tubas online in the UAE, then you are at the right place. On Shops.ae, you can find a wide range of options ranging from brass to plastic styles. Our product search engine has brought together over 500 online stores that sell the best models at affordable prices. If you have budget restrictions, you can compare prices here to find the one suiting both your requirements and budget. So, go ahead and explore now!
We hope that the above guides steer you towards the right purchase. If you are unsure of where to start, you can stay right here. On our retail search engine, i.e. Shops.ae, you can find a wide array of options offered by top brands like Yamaha, Conn, Besson, Jupiter, Cerveny, and more. Moreover, you get to choose from a high amount of options offered by hundreds of trusted stores. So, you will not have to compromise on the quality. So, quickly go ahead and grab the best products. Have an amazing shopping journey ahead!