MW Ursus x B&S GR-41

[cle_tuba]

Hi guys!
Has anyone done any comparison of the MW Ursus (3225) with the B&S GR-41 (PT-606)?
Thanks

[Diego A. Stine]

Having played both, I would give my vote to the Ursus. Both play a similar role due to their size, but the Ursus has more core and power to the sound. Intonation is about the same, very point and shoot. Definitely try them both, as ergonomics varies greatly between the two.

My Ursus is currently for sale, if you'd be interested in checking it out.

[ASmith]

I played both at Baltimore Brass and bought the Ursus. The leadpipe angle took some getting used to, but it just has way more core and projection than most horns that size. However, there are many people that have the "york-style" leadpipe angle changed to "fix" the ergonomics.

I don't know Diego, but he's offering a nice deal on his horn if you are looking for an Ursus.

[Easy Mac]

The Ursus is the better of the two.

[Sousaswag]

They have the exact same bugle, to my eye. 606 has a better ergonomic design for me, but the Ursus has the arguably better slide layout. I just can’t get used to that leadpipe. I’ve played several examples of the 606, and a few standout great ones. Really check them with a tuner. I’ve played one Ursus. It didn’t strike me as a $XX,XXX tuba compared to the 606.

I’d bet they both sound very similar side by side.

[bort]

I thought the GR-41 was an alright tuba. I didn't spend much on it (about $5k), so my expectations were met. But if I had spent much more than that, I would have been disappointed. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to but it new. My problem with it was difficult to push it in a way that made it sound bigger, rather, it just sounded always like a medium-sized tuba that was kind of upset to be pushed so hard and sounded kind of oinky. Which just kind of said to me that the tuba wasn't designed to do what I was trying to do with it (be an only tuba in a large group). Maybe other players have better luck than me!

The Ursus sounded quite a bit bigger and fuller, and was all-around easier to play. Much better. However, ergonomics were a disaster for me, and the 5th valve linkage was just a mile long. I didn't like holding the tuba at all.

If I had to choose something of this size, I'd probably go with a Miraphone 1291... but that is mostly out of familiarity -- I had one for years and never got a complaint, although I thought the sound was bland, nobody else cared or said anything. Big sound and easy to play.

[Cthuba]

In my experience most Ursus's play better (intonation and feel) than most pt606s which are incredibly inconsistent. Except the one I believe you just bought. I know I may sound like a broken record but I would take that horn any day over a new Ursus.