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There have been several new entries into the F tuba market since I last asked this question, many years ago. Since then, I've given up on rotary F tubas in favor of an Eb (YEB-381). But I personally prefer the sound of the rotary F bass tuba -- and 4/4-ish in size rather than 6/4-ish. (Although this particular Eb is quite nice....)

So, with today's models, what's the rotary F tuba with the most open, easy to center low C? Is it equal to the low Bb on a YEB-321? How about for ANY F model available, not just rotary F's?

Fire away,

The low Cs on all of the Miraphone Firebirds I've played were pretty dang solid.

I've heard that the Yamaha YFB-822 (pistons) has a killer low C.

The 45slp i tried had NO low c.yfb 822 had a wonderful low c,but Bb below still sucked(just moved the problem down a step).my new(old) B&S is pretty darned workable,and with a super sound...

I used to think my low CC sucked on my MW 45S (not SLZ or SLP or SLQ), but I got used to it... sometimes you learn to deal with one problem in order to have the sound you want on the rest of the notes. I did learn hopw to play it pretty well, and now I don't even notice that it takes more air on those few notes.

I used to have the MW 182 - the itty bitty F tuba. Suprisingly, the low C was much better, but the upper register was more work. Go figure.

Miraphone 181

Jim Langenberg

The low C on my 822 F is great. The horn overall plays like a small CC most of the time. Every 181 I've played (about 10 of them) had a really good low C. It's probably the best rotory F in that respect.

I agree about the low C on the MW 45whatever. I chose a 822 because of that, wanting a more all-purpose horn. I've vowed to never sell my 822 but I wonder what would happen if I gave an EEb a fair shot? All my friends are getting them!

wd

Yep. I'd go for either the Yamaha 821/822 or a Miraphone 181

I haven't played many 181's, but I have played one. I've played a PT-10, PT-15, Meinl Weston 45S and a 46SLZ. The best low CC on any rotary valve F has been the one on the Miraphone 281 "Firebird". I was completely blown away by it. I really don't think that there should be any thought beyond the Firebird if you're looking at a rotary F tuba.

just my opinion.

ThomasP wrote:I really don't think that there should be any thought beyond the Firebird if you're looking at a rotary F tuba.

In a blindfolded test-play of a gold brass 181, a gold brass 281, and a yellow brass 281, the sound of the 181 won out every time to my ears and my wife's, at least for the usage that I have in mind for the horn.

Why haven't I purchased a 181? It isn't because of the intonation quirks--those were expected (besides, for those who are willing to wait and pay the $$ for a new horn, Miraphone will be putting the 281 valves on the 181). It was cited with a sound pressure meter that the volume production on the 181 was uneven throughout the range, which would present a real challenge in balancing with the rest of the ensemble.

Michael wrote:

When you can try the new M&M F with 6 Valves, Strong in tune in all range and the right price

Where are these horns built, and by whom? Who sells them in the US?

... the one that works for YOU!

(heck, I learned to make my 45S play, so I'm very happy with it. Obviously, there's a very YOMV factor here... )