[Trombone-l] An alto neophyte asks for it--tuning slides

[thetubameister@adelphia.net]

I'll echo the comment about Weril Slides - I had to go over a new one - big-time adjustments were needed!

J.c.

---- Keith Marr <Mail at gothicway.fsnet.co.uk> wrote: 
> I've found this thread very interesting, particularly the contrast between 
> various individuals experience of particular models. I think the guy that 
> thought due to low production numbers that altos will be very individual in 
> character had a good point, although I dare say Yamaha churn them out one 
> identical to the other as they do with everything else. To me it's their 
> strength, but also they're weakness if the design's not right. My experience 
> of altos is with the Conn 36H and the Amati.
> 
> I found the Conn much to big for concerto and chamber playing (probably a 
> good orchestra choice then) and way too big for a beginner on the instrument 
> anyway. I couldn't safely get the high register for the Alberchtsberger 
> concerto.
> 
> I understand the Amati is based on the Bach 39, and it certainly looks 
> similar. This is a low budget horn (I bought it new plus Sibelius software 
> with the money I got for selling the Conn secondhand!) and very small, but 
> it plays very well and my high register is very secure on it.
> 
> I think the guy that said the alto should have a more trumpety tone in the 
> modern orchestra was quite right, otherwise you're going to blend with the 
> Horn section instead of the trumpets and trombones (plus you'll be playing 
> in tune which will stick out a mile - meow! Sorry Horn players!). For 
> chamber music and solos it is ideal and not a big investment so go for this 
> or the Weril until you find you're getting the level of usage that justifies 
> something more costly (a German model for example - Thein, Haag, Latzsch, 
> etc., they're all very very good!).
> 
> First trombone in my orchestra has a Weril which he uses for Brahms etc. 
> I've had a go on it and it blows very nicely, although the slide needs 
> setting up. I can't say I've experienced the problem of tuning in 7th, but 
> then it's not a position you use a lot on alto and I may be instinctively 
> lipping down when I need it.
> 
> One particular point that hasn't been covered: If you're playing a lot of 
> tenor and alto (or bass, tenor and alto even, as I was a one stage a few 
> years ago) practice the instruments from the largest upwards. It's a lot 
> easier to play tenor after bass and alto after tenor than vice versa. You 
> might have no choice in a concert but for practice routines this is a good 
> rule of thumb to follow.
> 
> I use Doug Elliot mouthpieces (when I can get them from him!) and I find the 
> XT D cup and shaft works well with altos.
> 
> Cheers!
> 
> Keith in Bb/F/D
> Bass Trombone
> St Albans Symphony Orchestra
> North Herts Big Band 
> 
> 
> 
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