Tuba vs. Sousaphone PDF

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An assignments comparing the Tuba to the Sousaphone....

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Difference in Tone Quality- Conical vs. Cylindrical

The two instruments I will compare and contrast are the Tuba and the Sousaphone. Although similar, one major difference is the tone quality in which they produce. The Tuba and Sousaphone share a wide range and deep powerful sound. The Tuba has a richer, fuller, fully hollow, and balanced tone quality than that of the Sousaphone. The Sousaphone, although protected by the structure of the bell, is more note heavy, and lacks the ability to produce a more musical sound like the Tuba. The tone of the Sousaphone is a tad brighter than that of the Tuba, less hollow and more pointed. As stated before the Tuba resembles a darker, full timbre, while the Sousaphones projection is a brighter, less full as far as tone (not sound), and more stringent. The unique, low sound of the Tuba can be beautiful while playing bass lines or the melody. The Tuba also produces a tone that is more flexible to move within, while the Sousaphone has a strict and exact tone. While both can project well and produce full sounds, the main difference in these instruments is also the setting in which they are used. The Tuba is normally used in concert settings to be the solid sound and foundation for a concert band/ensemble, while also experiencing moments of shared melody and musical lines. The Sousaphone serves the same purpose in a marching band setting, but it’s sound is less musical, more direct, pointed exact in the tone, as Sousaphones are typically second to the drumline and percussion as the metronome of the band.

Instrument: Tuba- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzH4XAv9ZCQ Carnival of Venice; sousaphone solo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsLDe5fYDrs...