Among all the brass instrument, the tuba is the biggest and the lowest pitch of all. You must blow air in a big-cupped mouthpiece, to create a buzz and make the sound you like. The brass is one of the newest additions to the modern symphony orchestra instruments. This instrument appeared back in the mid-19th century replacing the ophicleide. The word “tuba” is derived from the a Latin word which means “horn” or “trumpet.” the Latin word which means horn refers to the baroque trumpet. The tone you make with the tube will depend on the length of tubing where the air travels. The tone can be changed according to the melody you want to make by adjusting the valve. The tuba can play sustained melodies or quick staccatos.
History
The tuba was first developed during the 19th century. Before the tuba, there was the ophicleide. This is an instrument that can create a very low pitch. But the ophicleide is very difficult to play. To give the musicians an easier low pitch instrument, the tuba was created. With the addition of the Berliner-Pumpe, a new type of short valve, the tuba became popular. However, the modern tuba is still very different from the tuba that was being used in the 19th century. Later on the bombardon was created followed by the Adolfe Sax. Another instrument that resembles the tuba is the hellicon, a coiled circular instrument that is placed on the shoulder of the musician. An easier to use hellicon was later on invented and this was called the sousaphone. When the tuba was introduced, it became very popular that it replaced the ophicleide. Most musicians in Britain, France and especially Germany accepted it.
Design
There is minimum amount of change to the tuba since it was invented back in the 19th century. It is generally a large musical instrument with a big bell, which is pointing up. The shape of the tuba is more like an elliptical coil. There are differences between the shapes of the variety of tuba. The sousaphone has a circular shape and its bell is pointing forward. There are also other upright tuba bells pointing forward, while other tubas have their bells pointing left or right. The positioning of the bells will affect the tone quality that the tuba can create. The valves of the tuba vary in pistons.
Materials used
Brass is the main raw material used for manufacturing tuba. Alloy made up of copper and zinc is the main components of brass. Tin and nickel can also be used to modify the characteristics of these musical instruments. Yellow brass is usually the type used for making these kinds of instruments. Besides brass, stainless steel is also used as screws of tuba. Chromium or nickel alloy coats the valves to make the sliding and adjusting easier. Flux and solder connects the tubes, while felt makes sure that not much damage can be inflicted in the instrument. Pearl and cork may be used to decorate this musical instrument.