TubeNet

mmmm.... PT-6... last horn you'd ever need...

I've not played the Miraphone or the Rudy but I've spent a reasonable amount of time with the Conn and MW2145. The PT6 is by far the better horn. Light and nimble yet capable of balancing a large ensemble it is one of the most well balanced intelligently designed tubas on the market. It *is* more horn than the others on your list. That isn't neccesarily a good thing if you also want to do chamber stuff. However unlike most any other bigger horns on the market the PT6 is extremely easy to play in tune and doesn't steer like a mac truck. I'm also partial to the B&S sound so in my mind it really doesn't get much better than the PT6.

With that said, If I were you I would also include the PT3 and PT4 in your search. They have similar sonic, intonation, and response characteristics to the PT6. A good rotor PT3 is one of the better buys on the market right now. Despite the small size it can carry a large group with ease in the right hands. Far more bang for the buck than the other horns on your list.

FWIW
joh_tuba
Proud owner of a PT15, PT3, PT6 and MW2165. Too much tubas and not enough brains.

If money was not an issue,
short answer, none of the above.

Longer answer, what type of playing are you interested? If I were choosing from this list and was playing the types of jobs that I used to, I would choose the PT6.

My assumptions for this choice: the tuba will be called on to render service in any type of musical group requiring a tuba and that is your only tuba.

My reasons for this choice: this tuba can be used as an all around tuba, able to play in a quintet in the morning, a dixieland job in the afternoon and an orchestra that night. Furthermore, I think that this is a well made tuba (very important after a few years of hard playing).

good luck,
Mark

Mark E. Chachich wrote:If money was not an issue,
short answer, none of the above.

Longer answer, what type of playing are you interested? My assumptions for this choice: the tuba will be called on to render service in any type of musical group requiring a tuba and that is your only tuba.

good luck,
Mark

To break away from the primary question slightly with everyone.. Which of these horns would most consider as a 2nd horn if they had an F for small ensemble work? Would a MW 2155 or 2000 be added and is the Yamaha 822cc in the quality/capablilty of this fine group?

Blow_Don't_Suck wrote:If money wasn't an issue, and you get could get any of the CC tuba choices below, which one would it be?

Meinl Weston 2145
Conn 56J
Rudolf Meinl 4345
Miraphone 1291
B&S PT-6

if it had to be only one horn for all types of playing, I'd probably eliminate the Conn & the PT-6 right away. In my opinion those are too big for all-around playing. I think the 2145 would be the best quintet horn and the 1291/4345 would be better for large ensembles.

From the little time I've spent with the 1291 (about 5 minutes), I'd say that it's probably a better horn than the 4345, but it depends on your tastes. It seems to have more even response, especially in the low register. The sound of the 1291 is a little brighter, I think, so if you like darker horns, I'd probably go for the 4345. I think they would both project equally well, but the 1291 might hold together better at high volumes. Probably depends on the player.

If you decide on the 4345, I got the piston version for $5400 w/ MTS hardcase.

-W

Blow_Don't_Suck wrote:What mouthpieces do you use on your B&S'

PT15 = PT65(Nothing plays or sounds better)
PT3 = PT65(If I want an F tuba with a C low range and fingerings) or PT84(If I want a nice middle of the road all purpose sound that works great for most situations)
PT6 = PT88(great match.. big yet focused characteristic sound)

I have a 54J on loan right now for my studio to demo. It's pretty sweet. For many it may be a good horn. However, I would certainly not sell my PT6 to get one.

All the horns you mention are the perfect horn for somebody. For me, since you ask, the PT6 is the perfect horn. I use it in orchestras as well as quintet and occasional solos. I used to think solos should always be done on F (or a smaller CC), but on my most recent recital I played 1/2 of the show on my PT6. It is big, but still versatile enough for almost any situation. Combined with a decent F tuba, there is no literature or ensemble that will leave you wishing for a different instrument.

The original question really is an aples / oranges type of thing. I had a tricked out Mirafone 1290 (great work, Lee Stofer) that played similar to many PT6's. Because of my playing NEEDS (notice I did not say wants) I traded it for a large piston 2145. The 2145 has worked out for me in virtually every situation in which I needed it to, from quintets to solos (Gregson and VW) to large ensembles. It plays reasonably well in tune and has a clear, compact sound that projects well and can be altered from brighter to darker with different mouthpieces. The low range is surprisingly free blowing for a 4/4 horn and the high range sings like a big F with a shallower C cup mouthpiece. The 2145 can make a lot of sound but it cannot "move earth". Pat Landolfi plays a similarly sized older Rudy "3/4" in the NJSO and he can make every note he plays easily heard through clean articulation, a focused sound, and solid intonation. The day I play The Ride in the NYPO I will probably need a bigger horn, but that day is not forthcoming this century.

joh_tuba wrote:With that said, If I were you I would also include the PT3 and PT4 in your search.

I'd add in the PT20 as well. It's got a bit more "meat" to its sound than the PT3 or PT4, but not the same width as the PT6.

I like how most of the PT's play, anyway. They sound about as big as anybody would want, but never seem to feel big.

Blow_Don't_Suck,

Did you decide on a horn yet?