[Trombone-l] How to learn about F attachment

[John A. Vieth]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! 

-----Original Message-----
From: trombone-l-bounces at maillists.samford.edu
[mailto:trombone-l-bounces at maillists.samford.edu] On Behalf Of Walter
Barrett
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 9:26 PM
To: Trombone-L List
Subject: Re: [Trombone-l] How to learn about F attachment


On Mar 6, 2007, at 5:48 PM, John A. Vieth wrote:

> I have a Yamaha Y-6XX trombone with F attachment that I play in a 
> community band.  This is my first trombone with an F attachment.  I 
> would like to learn more about using the F attachment.  There is no 
> documentation for the F attachment in any of my basic lesson books.  
> Can anyone recommend an
> online resource or book so that I can learn how to use this thing?   
> I assume
> the purpose is to make certain notes more accessible or convenient, 
> but I would like a very clear explanation of exactly what it does, 
> tips and tricks for using it, dos and don'ts, etc.  Please advice, and 
> thank you in advance for any information.
>
> - John

For my students just getting into the F attachment, I like the Lew Gillis
"70 Progressive Etudes for Modern Bass Trombone." Don't get scared by the
words "bass trombone", most of it stays above the pedal Bb, and he really
gets into alternates. Each valve position is introduced one at a time, and
he gives you 10 etudes incorporating each new position (plus the ones you've
learned already.)

Tuning the F attachment usually falls into 2 camps- tune it so 2nd space C
is in tune. (One disadvantage to this is that F in Valve 1st is then flat,
and you have to play it in 6th all the time.) The other camp says to tune it
so that low F is in tune. The 2nd space C will be sharp, but you can bring
it down with the handslide, usually about
1/2-3/4 inch out from regular 1st. The disadvantage to this tuning is that
low C (2nd leger) is more sharp than when you tune the other way, and has to
be lipped down even more. (That low C is usually sharp, no matter which way
you tune it. It's just more sharp with the F in tune method.)

I like the low F in tune method, myself. I find myself wanting the
availability of F in 1st AND 6th.


Walter Barrett

"so does the sound exist somewhere in your head and you try to find a brass
funnel that fits ???
OR do you fit your head into the brass funnel ????????????? "
	-DJ Kennedy

Alto, tenor, bass trombones
Bass trumpet, euphonium, tuba
Yamaha Artist/Clinician
http://www.walterbarrett.com


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