Rudy Prototype F

[Rick Denney]

Nobody on this forum tried this tuba last week?

Well, yes, I tried it. But it was a mighty hard instrument to evaluate on the basis of 90 seconds in the Elephant Room. It did not make an impression on me, good or bad, but that's more a statement of where my head was at the time (and it wasn't on that F tuba). I think it was Andy Smith that put it in my hands and made me play it, but at the time I was honestly thinking about something else and not laying tracks.

I also tried out a little Scherzer F that Dave Fedderaly has, as well as an interesting and excellent Franken-F with Miraphone 180 valves, Conn branches, and a King bell. Both impressed me more because they violated initial (low) expectations--I'm still happy with the Yamaha and the B&S.

Rick "who should have paid more attention" Denney

[chhite]

I took delivery of the horn for Lee last September and probably have more time on it than anyone. I can say that it is the best F tuba I have ever played. I had no problems in any register with response or intonation. I was specifically impressed with how the horn sang in the upper tessituras. I did not have to move any slides once they were initially set. The horn was solidly assembled and balanced easily.

I heard one comment about how the valves were aligned in a straight line and that presented a difficulty for some with smaller hands. I have large hands, and did not find that a problem. I did tell Lee after my two months of playing the horn, that the fifth valve trigger depressed too easily for me and actually got in the way while my thumb was anchored in the ring. Lee mentioned that as well, and decided that a stiffer spring would solve that problem. I'm not sure if he got to that before the show, but it's an easy fix.

If I didn't already have a great F tuba, I would seriously consider this horn. As others have said, these comments are my opinions and your mileage may vary. If you're interested, contact Lee and give the horn a test run. Hope this helped.

[Frank Ortega]

Is this F piston or rotary valved?
I haven't heard anything bout it before this.

Frank

[Frank Ortega]

Is this F piston or rotary valved?
I haven't heard anything bout it before this.

Frank

[chhite]

Four piston and one rotor valveset. Follow the link to Lee's website and read his impressions.

http://www.tubameister.com/4sale.htm