My 'new' Cerveny Kaiser (horn dorn!)

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:43 pm

I use two sort of tuba stands, the K&M and M&M. The M&M hold the tuba higher, so the centre of gravity is higher. However, I have never had any concern about a tuba toppling over, although I confine their use to my home. The K&M stand is the better. There is a Standard and Kaiser size one. Those are what I always use out at gigs. Never has one let me down and I find I get far fewer dings. The bell being at the top, people walk around, never touching anything other than the bell rim. I think someone would have to run into the tuba to knock it over, but then they would do a lot of damage if it was on its bell in that case.

The spit valves on the 3rd and 4th Neptune slides are factory fitted. I do not know why, because they aren't needed. Water never collects in the 3rd valve loop and I can play all evening and get no more than a thimble of water out of the 4th. I would have them removed if it would not make a mess of the gold lacquer.

OldsRecording · Post by **OldsRecording** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:09 pm

Very pretty horn. I dig the red brass. Just a silly question, though. (also has to do with the 'Rotary BBb in Brass Band' thread) Do your section mates also play left-facing horns, and if not, is there an issue with smashing bells with the EEb player on your left?

Peach · Post by **Peach** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:09 pm

Neptune wrote:The spit valves on the 3rd and 4th Neptune slides are factory fitted. I do not know why, because they aren't needed. Water never collects in the 3rd valve loop and I can play all evening and get no more than a thimble of water out of the 4th. I would have them removed if it would not make a mess of the gold lacquer.

I'd bet the 'water keys' are there to let you pull slides without any "pop". Instead of venting the valve, the slide is vented. I've seen this done before (usually with Amado) but never as a factory option.

My Neptune has straight slides btw...
MP

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 5:11 pm

OldsRecording wrote:Very pretty horn. I dig the red brass. Just a silly question, though. (also has to do with the 'Rotary BBb in Brass Band' thread) Do your section mates also play left-facing horns, and if not, is there an issue with smashing bells with the EEb player on your left?

No, they play the usual Besson 3+1 EEb. However, there is only me on BBb, so I have room to leave a good gap to minimize the risk - or if not sit slightly back and at an angle to the EEb's, so my bell is actually pointing behind them at the percussionist. That actually works to improve my view of the conductor as well.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 6:04 pm

Bob1062 wrote:Jonathan, do you plan to use this for anything besides brass band (Prokofiev? )?

I do want to learn BBb fingerings for bass clef as I think that would be a useful skill. I could then use the Cerveny for wind band, or orchestra if BBb worked better than CC for the music, although I intend the Neptune to continue to be my main big orchestral tuba. I think the Neptune's more lyrical tone is generally better for orchestra.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 6:23 pm

Bob1062 wrote: I guess the next question is: what's next?

A tiny F? A tenor tuba? A cimbasso?

I think I have enough

but will that stop me

a tiny F is tempting!!!

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 2:05 pm

At the time I got my 701 no gig bags were available in the UK, so I have been making do with a Fafner bag which was really too small. However I went over to MrTuba to collect the correct bag (in a nice grey/black two tone) yesterday.

One thing I have found I do not like about the Cerveny is wider spaced valve keys (than B&S or M-W) which cause me aches in my hand after playing a while. I had thought about putting coins on to reduce the spacing, but Mark Carter kindly bent the levers inwards so they are now comfortable.

Also since I got the Cerveny it has somehow sustained two dent. How I don't know, but that red brass must be soft. I was interested to watch Mark expertly get these out using magnetic dent remover and balls. He did this work for no charge, so thanks Mark!

Norm in Bellevue · Post by **Norm in Bellevue** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 12:12 am

TubaAlex wrote:Has anyone played the CC version of this Kaiser ? These Cerveny Kaisers really catch my eye, especially the price!

Ryan Schultz just sold one on the For Sale section of TUBENET. I played it briefly last summer. Huge tone, lots of fundamental. And, yes it sucks a lot of air! Ryan or the new owner could tell you more.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 3:47 am

Norm in Bellevue wrote:Huge tone, lots of fundamental. And, yes it sucks a lot of air!

They certainly do suck the air, but I am finding working at mastering that is making me a stronger player. When playing my Kaiser, I don't always appreciate the sound I am producing because the bell is so high above my head, but playing in a brass band concert yesterday, two musician friends in the audience commented to me on what a huge difference the Kaiser makes to the sound of the band.

Bandmaster · Post by **Bandmaster** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:26 pm

I had a chance to test play a horn exactly like this one, red brass and all, a couple years ago. My first comment was it was harder to blow through than my Holton 345. It felt like it had more back pressure and definately took more air out of you. But not even close compared to how a Kanstul GG Contra Bass bugle sucks the air out of you. My Holton 345 played very free and open and didn't seem to suck air out of me at all. But these Cerveny Kaisers are really pretty horns and the workmanship looks very good as well. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't played a Cerveny that I like yet... could be that I just haven't tried enough of them.

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:07 am

Which one will you be bringing on Sunday (lol)?

http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.as ... =0&id=6910

CB

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:47 am

Highams wrote:Which one will you be bringing on Sunday (lol)?

http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.as ... =0&id=6910

CB

Still considering Charley. Would quite like to play my Cerveny Kaiser, but I will be bringing along a German tuba friend and her F tuba and possibly a euphonium friend as well - so may not have room in the car!

So it might be my old Haag Eb (ex-Steve Sykes) instead.

Jonathan

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:55 am

We'll be thrilled with whatever (and whoever) you turn up with (hehe).

But I know what you mean, I'm considering giving the baby Highams 5v an outing;

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... =itea2.jpg

but have to rush off afterwards for an afternoon rehearsal and concert, so need the Willson as well.

CB

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:57 pm

Scooby Tuba wrote:
Neptune wrote:So it might be my old Haag Eb (ex-Steve Sykes) instead.

Jonathan
Jonathan,

Have any pictures of that Haag? I don't remember if you've posted pictures. Sounds very interesting!

Her is one when I first got it
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