Cost of PT-605?

[armytuba]

I have one at work, and it plays like a dream (I'm in the Army). I plan to order several more for my section in the coming months.

It's probably the best BBb I've ever played, hands down. I believe it cost my band about $10,000, which included a hard case, mouthpiece and the shipping costs. You may be able to contact Tuba World and get it for less than that.

Anyone know if Custom Music Corp. plans to make an appearance at TUSAB Tuba-Euphonium Conference? If they do come, I'm sure they'll be bringing this horn as it's one of the newer PT's out there. If they bring a PT-605 BBb and it seems to get hogged by all the playtesters, everyone is more than welcome to try mine that I'll have onhand. Just look for the tall guy with the military crew cut, regulation mustache and Tuba World gig bag strapped across his back.

Here's a picture of the PT next to MY Rudy CC:

[IOS]

I paid $7k for mine in silver last year. Very good horn. Also check out the Miraphone 1291. It is likewise around $7k. (I have this as well.) It is a fine instrument but plays very differently that the PT 605. The PT 605 centers well but the sound has a tendency to thin out in the upper register. The rotary valve are superb. The Miraphone 1291 has the best intonation of any Bbb I have ever played and the notes center exceptionally well. The piston valves are only so-so. (They are noisy and the valve springs are terrible.)

[quinterbourne]

I paid $7k for mine in silver last year.

Prices on those European horns, at Custom Music especially, have gone up by 20-30% in the last 2 or 3 years, partially due to the strong Euro (or weak USD). You'll need to give Custom Music a call to know for sure how much it costs now.

[armytuba]

Thin upper register? That's not the case with my PT-605. Have you tried using different mouthpieces?

Yes, the rotary valves are superb. They feel like 'buttuh in ya hand.'

[armytuba]

BBb tubas tend to be the norm in most regular Army band inventories. However, a recent update to the supply system has allowed the purchase of CC, Eb and F tubas.

The entire tuba section here can flip-flop between BBb-CC-Eb-F. We're fortunate to have an assortment of tubas between what the band owns and what each tuba player owns.

Here's a list of what we have to work with, personal- and government-owned:

PT-605 BBb-gov't
MW Fafner BBb-gov't
MW 25 BBb (2)-gov't
Besson 995 CC-gov't
Nirchl CC-personal
Rudy Meinl CC-personal
Wilson EEb-personal
Conn 22J BBb-personal
Yamaha F Custom-personal