Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/12/2007

Question
I think, and I am hoping that I purchased a BBb tuba.  I'm not 100% sure.  It is a Hawkes & Son, Excelsior Sonorsus, Class A, from Picadilly Circus, London.  It sounds pretty good, and I know that it is very old, however I am wondering if the tone is off because it is NOT a BBb.  I would appreciate any information.
Thank you!
RL

Answer
I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't an Eb tuba.  Back when this horn was made, the Eb was the dominant bass voice.  Instead of a Bb scale, you will get a Eb scale with the same fingerings.  The low Bb that you are used to on a BBb will be played with valves 1 and 3 pressed.

If you started out on trumpet, then the fingering for this instrument won't be so strange.  Just pretend you are playing the trumpet as you read the music.  You just need to watch accidentals because some of them will be wrong.  And, add 3 sharps to the key signature.