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I just got back from ITEC in Denver and had a blast. I met so many of my idols (including my favorites Nat McIntosh and Jon Sass). I got a chance to play almost every horn I was looking into buying like the MW 2155/2165, Besson 995 and the Miraphone 1291 as well as a few out of my price range. My instructor (Louis Young) was playing some horns from Sam Gnagey and seemed like he was having a little fun with them. I sat down and played them and they were by far the most responsive and consistant horns in my price range at the conference. I would just like to get a few opinions on these horns before I narrow down my list. Thanks.

Arkietuba wrote:I just got back from ITEC in Denver and had a blast. I met so many of my idols (including my favorites Nat McIntosh and Jon Sass). I got a chance to play almost every horn I was looking into buying like the MW 2155/2165, Besson 995 and the Miraphone 1291 as well as a few out of my price range. My instructor (Louis Young) was playing some horns from Sam Gnagey and seemed like he was having a little fun with them. I sat down and played them and they were by far the most responsive and consistant horns in my price range at the conference. I would just like to get a few opinions on these horns before I narrow down my list. Thanks.

Given that Sam frequents Tubenet, I don't think you'll find anyone who would be willing to say anything bad about his creations even if there was a person inclined to do so, which I doubt there is.

In other words, if you think they are great, then they are great. No tuba player will thank badly of you for getting one. Not that it matters what other tuba players think.

Rick "thinking all tubas are evaluated on their own merits and not on the name on the bell" Denney

After playing a PT-4P for many years I have switched to using one of Sam's tubas exclusively as my CC. I agree with your assessment, they are VERY responsive and have great sound. At present, 5 members of my studio own them, and no one has had any problems or complaints.

Hope this helps...

Tim

If you have a chance.. BUY one of Sam's horns. They are a great deal - as they play/sound great and are priced so that you do not have to break the bank to own such a great horn. They tend to have a unique/classic souind to them, are built extremely well and in my opinion look great without any fancy plating/lacquer.

How might one find out about these tubas? To be quite honest I have never even heard of this particular brand. Please be so kind as to send me a link or some pics via PM if possible?

It is not a brand- Sam Gnagey puts these horns together generally from King bodies and vintage bells i.e. York, Holton, Reynolds, etc.. and makes them into great 4/4 horns that work well in MANY situations.

LazyBlueTuba wrote:How might one find out about these tubas? To be quite honest I have never even heard of this particular brand. Please be so kind as to send me a link or some pics via PM if possible?

You can reach Sam at tubanurse@aol.com