"Thor"

[andrew the tuba player]

Hey. I really like the looks of the new Thor by Meinl Weston. But, i was wondering...why'd they out a 17.71 inch bell on it? I guess maybe someone that owns or has played one can tell me. But Thats one thing i dont like about my Mirafone. It has he older 16.5 inch bell on it and it seems harder to fill a room with it. I mean, by no means would it stop me from buying one. They look amazeing. but, just curious

[Roger Lewis]

that the idea behind the 17.75 " bell was to give a little more focus. It has a wide falre "stack " to it and a bigger bell would probably have decreased the response and clarity. It puts out plenty of sound without taxing the player too much so, whatever the reason, don't mess with it - it works.

I am constantly impressed with these instruments and believe that Meinl Weston has really moved the "science" of tuba manufacturing to a higher level with this and the Alan Baer instruments. We are finally getting to a point where the instrument is coming to you, rather than (like the old Alexanders) you going to the instrument.

Come play some on the 22nd of September. Just make sure to let me know you're coming. The last thing I want to have happen is to be standing there waiting for 40 pizzas to be delivered because we ran out of food with a lot of tuba musicians in the building.

Roger

[andrew the tuba player]

...what is September 22nd?
But, yeah...I wouldnt mess with it. That explanation helps. I'm usually a fan of the bigger bells. But, Theres always a few exceptions.