CC 5/4 6/4 Tuba

Tubaguy56 · Post by **Tubaguy56** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 12:18 am

Hey Everyone,

So, I'm in the market for a pro level 5/4 or 6/4 size horn. I'm a senior in high school going into a tuba performance major next year and I need a new CC horn. The spending range is about up to 12k. Most of the people I talked to have each told me some different things, the top among these are the PT6 and the Gronitz CPK. Suggestions?

Cameron Gates · Post by **Cameron Gates** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 6:46 am

BassClef wrote:If you're thinking about getting a real big horn, like a PT-6. You better make sure that's the right fit for you before you drop a pretty penny for one. I've known people to buy those and then later realize that it was just too big for them. If it's at all possible, you should try out as many horns as you can before making your decision. Brasswind is a good place to do that. I'm no expert but based on the horns I have played, I would recommend trying out the following:

PT-606P
MW-2000
MW-2165
MW-2155

I'll second that. I wish I had a 606 when I was in college. Give that one a hard look. It is advertised as a 4/4, however when one compares it to other 4/4's, it is much bigger. 2000 might be out of the price range. 2165 might not be a very good all-around horn for most people.

I hate to keep pounding this, but I think this (606) is one of the greatest CC's out there. It can do everything you ask it to do. Take the trip to Custom and try a few. You might be as taken with them as I am. Do a tubenet search and check it out.

Cameron Gates

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 7:27 am

Tubaguy56 wrote:Hey Everyone,

So, I'm in the market for a pro level 5/4 or 6/4 size horn. I'm a senior in high school going into a tuba performance major next year and I need a new CC horn. The spending range is about up to 12k. Most of the people I talked to have each told me some different things, the top among these are the PT6 and the Gronitz CPK. Suggestions?

You will have to do everything on your first instrument going into college, from solo recitals to quintet to jazz band to symphony orchestra. Do you want that to be a grand orchestral tuba? You'll find it quite difficult to lighten it up for recitals and quintets, and that will put you at a disadvantage.

The PT-6 and PCK are not the largest instruments in this class, but they are still mighty big for chamber and solo work.

And the summer polka-band gig, Dixieland job, working quintet gig, or theme-park job will be much easier on a smaller instrument. Don't think you can pass up those opportunities.

Also, you don't have to spend all $12K on one instrument to get great instruments. I know one person who bought a used PCK for under $7000, and I bet the (appropriately) smaller PCM can be found on the used market for around that. But there are lots of completely competent 4/4 and 5/4 tubas on the market in that price range--instruments that would be more general purpose.

Then you would have enough left over for a really good used F tuba. You'll need that before you need a BAT.

Face it, you are going to change your taste in instruments at least once before (or just after) getting a gig--assuming you end up working professionally. Get something that holds its value and take care of it. Then you can use it as trade fodder for what you grow into.

Rick "who thinks that for most people, the BAT should be the third instrument in the stable" Denney

MartyNeilan · Post by **MartyNeilan** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 8:35 am

You can always wait and check out that new "hammer" MW will be producing.
http://www.meinl-weston.com/5450.htm
Or, you can just check out Hammer.

(Sorry, but I couldn't touch this)

ken k · Post by **ken k** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 8:48 am

Unless you do not have any horn at all of your own, I would wait until you get to college to get a new horn. Your teacher in college will be able to guide you in the direction he/she believes would be best for you and also by then you will see what college performance experiences there are and what horn you would need to best fill those opportunites.

ken k

chronolith · Post by **chronolith** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 9:30 am

Sheesh, if I had $12,000 and had to outfit myself for college, I would track down a really good used 5/4 like a 2155 or a PT6 **AND** I would hunt down a good used F tuba and maybe have a few dollars left over (which I would probably put towards insurance on my horns). I would wait to buy that F tuba until much later. I think there is value in learning the solo lit on the C horn before getting an F.

Advice given earlier about waiting until you get to school and having your prof help pick out your horns in EXCELLENT advice.

Toobist · Post by **Toobist** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:27 am

I would think you could get a pretty good used CC AND an F or Eb for 12K. If you're buying the two at once you could probably get yourself a great deal at any of the more well known shops. Give them a call and see what you can get. You'll be way ahead of the game if you START school with a big and small horn.
That's my advice anyway.

dtemp · Post by **dtemp** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 1:24 pm

OR, you could;

1. Spend $6500 (or less) for the best 188 you can find.
2. Save the rest.
3. Perhaps buy a bass tuba after a few years of college when you are sure that's what you want to do.
4. If you you decide don't want to devote your life to the tuba, you could get a good price reselling the 188 and still have a little nest egg.

Mark E. Chachich · Post by **Mark E. Chachich** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 3:03 pm

I think that your future teacher might have some insight.

good luck,
Mark

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CC 5/4 6/4 Tuba

CC 5/4 6/4 Tuba

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