Meinl Weston 46?

[JStubaJMU]

I have seen one for sale for quite a bit cheaper than a typical Meinl Weston F tuba. Like, half as much as people normally ask for them. Does anyone know why they would go for so much cheaper. Anyone have some information on this horn? I can't seem to find any info from Meinl Weston.

Thanks!

[bort]

Stinky low register. Just an older model, things have progressed since then. Low C, B, and Bb take a lot of work. Mid and upper range sing and project like mad. But the low end will get you.

If its a first F tuba, not a bad choice... but these days, for the same or a little more money, a better playing Chinese F tuba can easily be found.

[JStubaJMU]

Good to know about the low register.... I've been playing a school owned old B&S for over a year now and need to invest in my own. Seems like it might just be worth saving up a few extra grand. I figured that low of a price seemed odd. Thanks for the info.

[arpthark]

I bought the tuba in question, probably. I've had this MW 46 since March. I'm happy to answer any questions about it.

It's a 1970 model in raw brass with six valves, 4+2. Left hand index finger controls the sixth valve, and middle finger controls the fifth valve, so it took a bit getting used to.

I'd say it was sold a bit cheaply because of age, condition (raw brass), the valve setup, and the fact that these tubas are somewhat out of style. Low register? Maybe. It's no different than any other classic German F tuba I have played, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. It has a similar feel to my old B&S JBL, Alexander F, and the early 90s PT-10. It sounds (to me) more like an Alex than a B&S. And yes, small-ish. Marketed as a 6/4 F tuba, but it's smaller than B&S F tubas, maybe a hair larger than the Miraphone Firebird.

Stinky low register. Just an older model, things have progressed since then. Low C, B, and Bb take a lot of work. Mid and upper range sing and project like mad. But the low end will get you.

Yeah, it's a different blow, but low B and Bb are fine. The pitches that need the most attention are actually D, Db, and C below the staff.

If its a first F tuba, not a bad choice... but these days, for the same or a little more money, a better playing Chinese F tuba can easily be found.

This is my fifth F tuba, so is it a bad choice? I don't think so. I was fully committed to trying out a Wessex Berg until this serendipitously showed up on the For Sale section. Would a Berg play better? I don't know, I haven't tried one!

I learned F tuba on this model when I was in college, so I probably have a bit of a soft spot for it. But, German-made, six valves? I couldn't pass it up. It's a really nice horn.

[bort]

Good to know! My experience has been more with the 45 than the 46. Certainly not a bad tuba, but when you are looking at the price, and what you can get for a little more these days... well, things are just different.

BTW, where's the review of the Musica CC?

[arpthark]

Right! People aren't busting down doors to get their hands on 50 year old German F tubas (with the exception of the B&S Symphonie, maybe, and even then it's more of a light knocking on the door). There are easier-to-play tubas out there, I suppose, but I have been dealing with the German rotary F tendencies since I have been playing F tuba (except for the few years where I only had a Willson F as a do-it-all), so it's a non-factor. I can see how other people might be attracted to more modern tubas. But I am in love with the sound I get from it. I was even more in love with the Alex I had, but it had a Vienna valve setup (3+3) and I couldn't justify keeping it as little as I played it, though I did manage a passable performance of the VW concerto on it. The MW 46 is darker, more veiled and less "holy beam of light" than the Alex, but it's a close approximation.

Now that my doctoral coursework (in a non-tuba field) is winding down, I am finding I have more time to spend on tuba. I'm feeling so bold that I even scheduled a recital for October with a colleague on piano, so that should be fun to put the MW 46 to the test. I might play the Musica on a couple pieces, too.

The Musica is excellent, but I am a short person, and the mouthpipe basically hits my nose... so, a playing stand is on the menu. It's a great tuba—dark, Germanic, projecting. Once this semester wraps up I will put some more facetime on it and write up my not-so-expert opinion.

[toobagrowl]

^ That's great to hear about your (VMI) Musica CC and Meinl 46 F. Those tubas can sound really nice with the right player behind them. You got a great deal on both tubas

[bort]

Now that my doctoral coursework (in a non-tuba field) is winding down, I am finding I have more time to spend on tuba.

Congrats, and that's my status in my PhD program as well... but more time? How'd you manage that!

The Musica is excellent, but I am a short person, and the mouthpipe basically hits my nose... so, a playing stand is on the menu. It's a great tuba—dark, Germanic, projecting. Once this semester wraps up I will put some more facetime on it and write up my not-so-expert opinion.

Very cool, glad it worked out so well! Looking forward to hearing more about it.