Advice on upgrading tubas needed...

[thetubawizard]

Hi. I currently play on a Getzen G50 and LOVE it! It is my first choice in teaching private lessons and playing in small brass ensembles. Lately though i've been getting very irritated at how much resistance there is on the first piston (especially in the high range, around D4 and up), a few intonation problems, and also i've felt that I want something... bigger. I really hate the idea of getting rid of this amazing horn because it gets the job done and it was my first horn but i feel like in a lot of things i do, like brass bands, wind bands, and an ocasional orchestra, it just isn't enough. I was hoping yall could give me some advice? I've been thinking about a PT-606P or PT-20P (can't stand rotary valves). I haven't had a real chance to play on many other horns so i'd love to hear any opinions. I want a horn i can do many things with and also not feel like i'm having to work super hard to get out licks and dynamics (such as with the Vaughn Williams Concerto for Bass Tuba cadenza). Thanks for any advice, i can't wait to hear yall's comments.

[phatty77]

I also have a CB-50. If and when I get a new horn my current plan is to probably get the 606. It's a great horn that many people don't seem to give a shot. I think it is because it is listed as a 4/4 even though it can play a lot bigger. If you want to know specifics on my CB-50 or my observations on the 606 you can message me. As for other horns, this topic is fairly common. I'm sure if you search back to previous postings you'll find info and opinions on most of the horns on the market. Good luck.

[arpthark]

I thought that a G-50 was kinda similar to my old PT-20P, but I liked the Getzen a bit more.

The 606 is a great instrument, a bit meatier than the 20P. I found that the 20P tends to get barky in the low register and the 4th valve low D is like a splat magnet. The 606 might be a bit better for you if you're looking for something larger than the Getzen. If you're looking to go into 5/4-ish tubas, you can't go wrong with the Meinl-Weston Thor or the PT-6P, or the Miraphone 1291 or 1292. Of course, try out lots of horns if you can (Dillon Music, Baltimore Brass, Lee Stofer, Custom Music up in Ferndale) and pick one YOU like.. not what people from the internet (necessarily) like.

If you think your 1st valve is stuffy, you might want to take it to a instrument repairman and check that the valves are aligned, if you haven't already.

[bort]

Based on other Getzen owners I've seen, you may be interested in the Miraphone 1291 or 1292. Physically it's not much bigger (not as squat, about 36" tall), but it plays huge. They just about play themselves, and the low range is particularly big and easy.

The PT-20 and PT-606 are both very nice tubas. But for some reason, the PT tubas and I don't "click," no matter how well they are made.

The MW Thor would be another option. Again, I haven't loved the ones I've tried, but a lot of people swear by them.

The Kanstul 90 might be interesting if you want to stay really close to the Getzen. I'm not sure how they'd compare side-by-side, but I think they would be very close. I'm not sure if the Kanstul would be *too* similar though, or it if would still offer the "bigger" effect you're looking for. The Kanstul Grand is another option... but perhaps too big?

Try as much as you can before buying!

[thetubawizard]

Thanks for all the advice! My problem is price range. I'm a college student so I don't have much money right now. I need a horn that I could possibly trade this one for... I'm not sure about the used prices of some of these horns yall have suggested, especially the MW Thor (as much as I'd love to have it). Any more advice?

Thanks!