3/4 CC tubas?

[Steve Inman]

Steve, have you considered going to a 2145 instead of your 5xJ/381 combo?

Until recently, I never gave the 2145 any attention at all -- as I viewed it as producing too focused of a sound for any of the larger groups I play in. This past week, I tried one again, and it occurred to me how nice it would be for a quintet horn, as my quintet wants a fairly strong bass voice (2145 can do this) but I want a more focused voice (2145 can do this). I've actually been using the 56J in my quintet for the past 9 months or so. But I'd hate to give up the 15" bell Eb, as it is a nice choice when covering a euph or 2nd 'bone part when it's the bass voice in a quartet / quintet.

If I bought a 2145, it would be to replace the small(er) Eb I've got, or in addition to it (I really like the 381), because it doesn't have as big of a sound as what I'd want for larger groups. But with a 2145, the 56J wouldn't have any significant benefits in any category except the broader sound (which I like with the smaller church orchestras and community concert band I play in), as both are 4/4-ish in size. So, I'd ALSO have to get something even bigger on the big end! (I did not try the 2145 with a PT-88, however, to see how much bigger it might sound. Hmmm ....)

Since I don't have much use for something as big as the 5.75/4 MW Baer (er ... "since I don't have much spare $$$ for the .....) , I suppose my "ideal" 3 -tuba set-up would be a PT-6, a 2145, and a smaller F -- like a Firebird -- if I were dreaming and won the lottery. A more realistic combination would probably be a 1292 CC for all of my contrabass tuba needs, and a Firebird F or a Norwegian Star Eb (or the old 381 Eb, for that matter).

Thanks for the suggestion -- it's always fun to ponder a bit.

[quinterbourne]

I would like to add that a 3/4 CC is really not much cheaper than a 4/4 CC. You'd assume that because a 3/4 is smaller and uses less material, that it would be cheaper... that is not necessarily the case. In fact, because not very many 3/4 CCs are sold... many may be more expensive than a comparable 4/4. The Yamaha 621 is quite expensive, new.

Perhaps you'd be interested in a MW2145, Conn 5xJ, or how about a PT-20p? Look for something used. I predict you'll end up using your 4/4 CC at least 50% of the time (and your F, big CC less than 25% each).

Maybe keep your Miraphone... how do you like that horn in quintet?

[pierso20]

I sorta realized that (price issues) after I made this thread. I had spent time reading posts in the "prices going up" thread...and had come to some conculsions anyway.

The miraphone is ok in small group. I feel it is quite overpowering though. It is a good horn for my large ensembles.

Overall, after reading some of these comments, i feel that the best thing to do is have something "different" than the big CC and an F horn...and that a 4/4 CC or a large Eb may be what i am looking for.

None of this is a high concern or priority to me because practicing and practicing and doing what I can with what I have is my top concern. But everyone like's to have new toys every once in a while.

[Phil Dawson]

I also play a 1290 and use a conn 3J CC for my smaller horn. The intonation on the conn is much more stable and so I use it for recording in small group situations but I like the 1290 better for small group work if it is live and especially if it is outdoors.
Good luck, Phil