[Trombone-l] How to learn about F attachment

[Roger Carmichael]

I have a Shires double rotor where the C and the low F are in tune in FIRST
position.   Perhaps that is a perk for buying a custom-made trombone.


> [Original Message]
> From: Wayne Dyess <TexasTbone at gt.rr.com>
> To: Walter Barrett <walttrombone at optonline.net>
> Cc: Trombone-L List <trombone-l at server5.samford.edu>
> Date: 3/7/2007 12:34:47 AM
> Subject: Re: [Trombone-l] How to learn about F attachment
>
> Actually, I don't know of any players who tune their F attachment on  
> the C.
>
> It ain't called the "F" attachment for nuttin', ya know.  Like why is  
> it a Bb trombone?  Do we tune best on an "A"?  I think not.
>
>
> On Mar 6, 2007, at 9:26 PM, Walter Barrett wrote:
> >
> > 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
>
> ========
>
> But yeah, the "C" will be somewhat sharp.  Overtone series... same  
> reason the 2nd line "F" is sharp on the Bb side of the horn.  Duh.
>
> Al Lube laid out the overtone series great (a fine teacher I had at  
> UofH).  All numbers.  Physics, but we won't go there.  Acoustics...   
> whatever you want to call it.
>
> 1 - fundamental.  Gotta start somewhere.  This pup better be in  
> tune!  Pedal Bb.
> 2 - the octave above.  Another "in-tune" note.
> 3 - here is the F in the staff.  It's sharp.  Note the odd number.
> 4 - another Bb.   Another note "in-tune."  Note the pattern of the  
> Bb's and the numbers
> 5 - the D above the staff.  Flat.  Another odd number.
> 6 - the F above that.  An even number, but divide it in half and you  
> get the 3.  Also sharp!
> 7 - Do we really want to go there?  VERY flat.  Rarely do we want to  
> play the Ab in 1st.  Avoid it babe.
> 8 - The high Bb.  Another note "in-tune", if we aren't pinching to  
> get it.
>
> 1,2,4,8 = Bb's, in tune.
> 3,6 = F (and sharp)
> 5,7 = flat and very flat.
>
>
> It's all a numbers game.
>
> Translate those numbers to the F attachment, beginning with the "F"  
> as your fundamental, and you find the C is sharp.  It's just gonna be  
> that way.  But mercy -- don't TUNE the thing to C.
>
> That's another topic of discussion since I hear a LOT of bands tuning  
> their brass to "F".  In my book, that's just flat out wrong and their  
> bands don't play well in tune.  Can't imagine why.
>
> It's a Bb Trombone!!!
> Sometimes with an F attachment.
>
> So tune it that way.
>
> My two cents.
> Rant over.
>
> :-)
> --Wayne Dyess
>
>
>
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