FEVER Posted January 22, 2003 Share Posted January 22, 2003 I just had an opportunity to play on the new King Bb Contra (notice how I avoid the term tuba). I loved it. It's smaller than a Kanstul, yet it plays a lot better. It sounds like my King Tuba. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit bias. I like the 4th valve placement. It's on the left side and you use your left hand to operate it. It would have been better if it was a rotary valve instead of a piston, but it was nice. It's shorter than the other contras I've played, so drill writers will be able to have contras move in tighter spaces with a better probability of not hitting the horn. I think I'll get me some for my program. ;)^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impulsehorns Posted January 24, 2003 Share Posted January 24, 2003 I played the King/Conn (UMI, whatever it is) at the NAMM show in anahiem and found the fourth valve position awkward, as far as playing better than a Kanstul, I've always liked the Kanstul KCB201better than the Kanstul Grande although it's a smaller bell diameter and easier to rattle, I found it easier to play. I did like the King ok though. Dan Zeilinger Head caption/Arranger Impulse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeromeyBush Posted January 24, 2003 Share Posted January 24, 2003 (edited) I just had an opportunity to play on the new King Bb Contra (notice how I avoid the term tuba). I loved it. It's smaller than a Kanstul, yet it plays a lot better. It sounds like my King Tuba. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit bias.I like the 4th valve placement. It's on the left side and you use your left hand to operate it. It would have been better if it was a rotary valve instead of a piston, but it was nice. It's shorter than the other contras I've played, so drill writers will be able to have contras move in tighter spaces with a better probability of not hitting the horn. I think I'll get me some for my program. ;)^ Can you see to the left?One problem I noticed with the Yamaha Bb convertables is it is difficult to dress left. Edited January 24, 2003 by JeromeyBush Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FEVER Posted January 25, 2003 Author Share Posted January 25, 2003 (edited) ;)^ Can you see to the left?One problem I noticed with the Yamaha Bb convertables is it is difficult to dress left. Doh! I didn't try that. I better check it out right now! Edited January 25, 2003 by FEVER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnyMac Posted February 1, 2003 Share Posted February 1, 2003 I was able to evaluate the new King Contra last weekend at Fever rehersal, and I definitely like it. It plays very well. A lot more like a tuba than a marching horn. My only problem with it, is the position of the thumb ring, but ####, that's a stupid complaint. So, overall I give the horn my approval. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TubaContraLover05 Posted February 3, 2003 Share Posted February 3, 2003 Any links to which we can see the new King? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jameseuph Posted February 5, 2003 Share Posted February 5, 2003 Fourth valve on the side reminds me of a compensating horn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brassguymike Posted February 6, 2003 Share Posted February 6, 2003 Fourth valve on the side reminds me of a compensating horn. I think that's where they got the idea. This horn is easier to hold than the other 4 valvers b/c your right hand pinky is freed up. If this design proves effective, then we just might start seeing our other manufacturers start copying this valve placement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 6, 2003 Share Posted February 6, 2003 I have to say, though, that I would think it would be rather awkward. Normally one hand does most of the work holding it up while the other uses the valves; now both have to operate valves. When you're dealing with a lighter weight P/R contra it's probably no big deal, but I can see it becoming a pain on a larger horn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brassguymike Posted February 7, 2003 Share Posted February 7, 2003 Dave, you may be right. It may prove to be too awkward. As I said... if this design proves effective, then we may see others copying. With the left hand now being occupied with a valve, I can see how this design might cause some handling issues when the horn is in playing position. But I bet it's a heck of a lot easier to hold at attention than any other 4 valver. If the left hand 4th valve proves to be a handling issue for the Regiment tubas this season, I can see them only using it during times when they're not marching demanding drill (like during the ballad). What I'm really wondering is how many of those 4th valve valve-stems are going to accidentally get sheared off this summer? That single valve on the back side of the horn looks like an accident waiting to happen. It's always a pain in the butt when the stem shears off and the threaded part is still left in the casing. Paul Collins always loves trying to fix these at shows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.