Resonance and false tones Some tubas have a strong and useful resonance that is not in the well-known harmonic series. For example, most large B tubas have a strong resonance at low E (E1, 39 Hz), which is between the fundamental and the second harmonic (an octave higher than the fundamental). These alternative resonances are often known as false tones or privileged tones. Adding the six semitones provided by the three valves, these alternative resonances let the instrument play chromatically down to the fundamental of the open bugle (which is a 29 Hz B0). The addition of valves below that note can lower the instrument a further six semitones to a 20 Hz E0. Thus, even three-valved instruments with good alternative resonances can produce very low sounds in the hands of skilled players; instruments with four valves can play even lower.
resonance and false tones some tubas have a strong and useful resonance that is not in the well-known harmonic series for example most large b tubas have a strong resonance at low e (e1 39 hz) which is between the fundamental and the second harmonic (an octave higher than the fundamental) these alternative resonances are often known as false tones or privileged tones adding the six semitones provided by the three valves these alternative resonances let the instrument play chromatically down to the fundamental of the open bugle (which is a 29 hz b0) the addition of valves below that note can lower the instrument a further six semitones to a 20 hz e0 thus even three-valved instruments with good alternative resonances can produce very low sounds in the hands of skilled players; instruments with four valves can play even lower