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Re: Instrument lengths

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Thanks David, you have very nicely explained the nomenclature of brass =
instruments.  Believe it or not, I have learnt something tonight, ie, =
the term BBb Bass.  This also explains why some old parts say EEb Bass.
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: David Smart=20
  To: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx=20
  Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 9:45 AM
  Subject: Re: [BRASS-BAND] Instrument lengths


  No.  Bore is not the factor.

  A eupho is twice the length of a cornet.

  A BBb tuba is twice the length of a eupho - i.e. four times the length =
of a cornet.

  The length sets the fundamental and harmonic series of the instrument. =
 The bore determines which of the harmonics you will actually be able to =
play on that instrument.

  Perhaps the best example of bore effect is the French horn.  The F =
French horn is almost the same length as an Eb tuba, but it is played =
mostly in its upper harmonics, playing in the same range as the Eb tenor =
horn which is approximately half its length.

  Less extreme is cornet vs flugel.  Both are the same length, but the =
larger bore of the flugel makes the lower notes easier and the higher =
notes harder than the cornet.  Similarly, a eupho and a trombone are the =
same length, but the narrower bore of the 'bone means that higher =
harmonics are easier on the trom.

  A Bass and a Double Bass?  A double bass is a stringed instrument.  =
:-)

  Possibly you mean BBb bass vs Eb bass?  The Eb bass is twice the =
length of the Eb tenor horn and is therefore pitched one octave below =
that instrument.  It's pitched mid way between the BBb bass and the =
eupho.

  As I understand it, there is not really an instrument called a Bb =
bass.  This would be pitched one octave higher than the BBb bass and =
would have the same general shape.  Such an instrument exists - it's the =
eupho, which is really a small tuba.  This is distinct from the =
baritone, which is the big brother of the Eb tenor horn - same pitch as =
the eupho, but different construction and tone.

  However, the terms BBb and Bb are both often used to refer to the BBb =
tuba.=20

  Regards, Dave S
  =20

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