MRP-CC Piston Opinions

[mm_an]

Hello all, I was at TMEA this past February and in the Buffet booth was a MRPCC piston version. Its basically a bigger PT-6P and It was my favorite C tuba out of the ones I tried, right up there with the laquered B&S 795 International (this one was at the Tuba Exchange booth, Buffet had a silver one).

A few questions:

Has anyone else tried them? Are they new? Do they have a specific model number? What did you guys think about it? Would it be worth getting it over the PT-6P?

Many thanks,
Rufino M

[Fritztuba]

I am sorry that my response is not exactly what you asked. The MRP and MRP Piston are the same as the 6 and 6p, with a larger bottom bow and a MW Fafner bell. I played a 6p for 18 years in my full-time performing career. Unfortunately, the ergonomics hurt my elbow and shoulder too much, so I switched to a MRP (I added a 2nd valve slide trigger), which is a WONDERFUL tuba, having the best low end and pitch of any CC tuba I´ve played. Though I have not played the piston version of the MRP, I can only imagine it being a great tuba.
Best wishes with your decision making.

[hockeyched]

I played one at MWRTEC and it was my favorite CC tuba that I played there. I play a MW 6450 and it felt as easy to play as my horn (which is incredibly responsive). If you want a big tuba and like the PT models, I think it would be worth while.

[Sousaswag]

I played one about a year ago. It was fine. I personally preferred (and owned at one time) the rotor version which I thought was better both as a player and ergonomically. But that's coming from someone who also owned a rotor pt6 and preferred it to the piston version there too.

The MRP's are good big horns. Piston vs rotor is totally personal preference. It would do you fine if you decided to play one.