TubeNet

Another poster's question about VMI/B&S prompted me to ask, did anybody play the Allora tuba at Woodwind and Brasswind that is a copy of the PT6P? I saw it at ITEC, but didn't get a chance to try it out. How does it compare to the original? Thanks in advance for any replies.

I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy (ie 186 and 191). Does anyone know what the model # is for the PT6P copy? Is there a rotary copy?

Well, it is a very nice copy of the PT6P. I was initially worried about durability but it's put together by Gerhard Meinl so chances are it's good quality. The pitch was dead center on 99.9% of the notes from pedal CC to G above the staff and the sound was very focused and clear. The only noticeable difference in my opinion was the ammount of sound it put out. It seemed "leaner" but that could be a really good thing. I put it on the tuner and played it for a couple of hours at WWBW before it was made public and can say I was more than impressed in this model considering the price tag. E-mail Roger Lewis for further evaluation/questions.

Pictures? I can't seem to find the thing anywhere.

I find this statement a little odd: "I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy"

Isn't that the point of a COPY?

Ed Jones wrote:I find this statement a little odd: "I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy"

Isn't that the point of a COPY?

From what I hear, except for the people that find it necessary to "improve" on the York CC design...

Ed Jones wrote:I find this statement a little odd: "I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy"

Isn't that the point of a COPY?

You're right it was odd. Let me clarify. I guess what I was trying to say was that, to someone who is unfamiliar with Allora they may look at the WWBW catalog and say, "Hey...those look like Miraphones." It wasn't until I looked at the model #'s that Allora was using that I realized they were trying to make an EXACT copy.

DP wrote:um....who makes the Allora tubas?
and...who makes the PT tubas?
...instead of "copy", why not use the tubenet term "stencil"?

In this case, I don't believe "stencil" would be entirely accurate.

I believe that Perantucci can only be used if the instrument is inspected by Perantoni or Tucci (or surrogates). Other than that, it goes by its B&S number.

is not a copy of a PT6. It may be similar in appearance in some respect, simply because of the size and shape of the instrument. The valve body is original to this instrument and was developed by/for Roger Lewis of The Woodwind and The Brasswind. Call it what you will - it is not a PT6 copy but an original creation, designed in collaboration with the craftsmen at the VMI factory in Markneukirchen, Germany.

Those of you who have played the prototype need to be aware that it was just that, a prototype. The final versions are due in October and will be completely different from the prototype. It will be available in lacquer and in silver. The prices have not been set yet since we need to see what the import duties and shipping costs will be.

Roger

Roger,

If the production model is going to be completely different, then will this horn still be a 5/4 size instrument? What changes have been made? Is it likely that this horn will be lower in price (like the other Alloras) because of cheaper manufacturing (ie made in China or somewhere cheap)? Are you at liberty to say?

is made by VMI in Germany and it is a true 5/4 instrument. I recently used it for a 'Pops" concert with the orchestra and was very pleased with how well this horn plays and projects. Intonation is extremely good. I was using the prototype since the production models have not arrived as yet. The valve body of this instrument will be completely different from just about any horn of this size. We have some specific slide lengths that have been requested and the valve tubing on this horn is routed in a very efficient and effective manner.

In lacquer the price should be right around the $7K area - possibly 6,999. In silver I would estimate around $7699 - but these prices are my guesses since we haven't seen the "landing costs" yet.

Roger