Amati 631 CC Tuba

TUbajohn20J · Post by **TUbajohn20J** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:49 pm

looks like.....a Conn 3J!!!! I want to play one
http://www.amatiinstruments.com/tuba/acb_631.php

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:56 pm

the bell's too big and it costs too much.interesting though...

TUbajohn20J · Post by **TUbajohn20J** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:05 pm

SplatterTone · Post by **SplatterTone** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:09 pm

I could get friendly with that Melton Fafner Modell 195 they have under the Special offers link. Remember that big b-flat is what the 300 tuba players used against Xerxes hoard of trumpet players.

jonesbrass · Post by **jonesbrass** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:06 pm

MikeMason wrote:the bell's too big and it costs too much.interesting though...

?

I'm a bit confused about that one. The tuba does appear to be extremely similar to a Conn 2J/3J and looks to have a similar flare.

As far as cost is concerned, it doesn't seem too bad: http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... B-631.aspx. Especially considering what other 4P/1R tubas cost these days.

I would be interested in playtesting one, if for no other reason than to see what the Czech's are doing at this price point.

TUbajohn20J · Post by **TUbajohn20J** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:12 pm

They really are similar to the 3J. just a bit larger bore size. 720 instead of 658. and with almost a 20" bell instead of 18" like on the 3J. I bet this thing sounds good! the could be a good all around horn. A GREAT horn for solo work, and also great for bands/ orchestras. would love to play one sometime

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:52 pm

I guess my point is,that 19.5 inch bell probably puts this horn in a different sound category than a 3j,if that's what you're after.The conn 3 is well balanced between bore and bell and it's a nice combination.If I really needed a horn like this,i would just get the 3j or 2j,save 5 or 6 grand and call it a day.Which is not to say I wouldn't like to give the 631 a whirl...

TUbajohn20J · Post by **TUbajohn20J** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:59 pm

JPNirschl wrote:Good luck finding a local dealer where you can play one.
4700 euros is close to eight grand US. A good question might be how best to keep one's budget closely aligned and still try one with no huge expenses.
(This from someone who spent close to 20 grand on a tuba)

Dillon sells it for $3,445.00

http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... B-631.aspx

and i'd also go with a 3J. no doubt a Conn in general is better than an Amati

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:13 pm

That price definitely makes it at least a possibility to consider...

Norm in Bellevue · Post by **Norm in Bellevue** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:56 pm

I posted a query re this tuba recently.
viewtopic.php?t=27041&highlight=acb631
Again, no one knew anything firsthand. As recommended, I did the search of Old Tubenet and found one or two people who had played a prototype. Reviews were not favorable.

CTAYLOR · Post by **CTAYLOR** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:09 pm

Matt Walters Wrote:

Hey Gang,
I stopped in at the Amati / Cerveny warehouse and played the Mark II version of the Amati ACB 631 5 valve CC tuba. Unlike the first which was in B natural, this one is truely in the key of C. They raised the leadpipe a bit, but 1 inch more would be better. Some info first. "CC tuba, 4//4 size, 4 piston valves and one rotary valve, front action, .720 bore, 19.5" bell, lacquer, 36.81" ht., 20lbs."
This horn is another bang for the buck champ that lists for $6000 and will typically sell discount in the low $3000 range (I found a small acid bleed and might be able to sell this one only for just less than $2995). Will a pro mistake it for a horn costing twice as much? Likely not. But it is a ONE thumbs up horn, especially to someone on a really tight budget. Not everyone needs or can afford a $6000 plus tuba.
What would it take to get a TWO thumbs up? In order of importance, my opinion only. Your preferences can vary.
1) shorten the 3rd valve tubing. Bottom line Ab (2&3) was 30 cents flat, slides in.
2) shorten the 4th vavle tubing. D and G below the staff were 10-20 cents flat. Liveable
3) lengthen and raise the leadpipe 1 more inch.
4) bottom line G was flat when played open. Perfect and well centered using 1&3. Some other notes are better in tune because of this. I'd live with it.
5) make 5th valve a flat whole step instead of the current flat 1/2 step. Though an in tune B natural can come in handy. A personal preference issue only.

The rest of the scale was fine and where you would expect. + or - 10 cents is in tune because with any kind of ear you will lip that.
Anyone wishing to get this nice new CC at a used tuba price can call me at Dillon Music (732)634-3399, or any of the other Amati / Cerveny Dealers under the SHOPS section of TubeNet. It can be arranged to be drop shipped right from the warehouse.

The discription is from Matt, the fellow BBSer. The short plug is from Matt the Dillon Music employee.
Matt Walters