TubeNet

so...All you tubanetters out there....has anyone played one or knows if it will be a good starter horn for college.....cause its in my price range......

If you like the way it plays and there are not glaring intonation problems, then, yes.

First:
Talk to your teacher about tubas and what your plans are.

My opinions about the MW 32:
Good tubas, sturdy, predictable response. Some people have played these tubas (successfully) in professional orchestras and bands. I have used one as my back-up tuba for about 20 years, I like it. Go easy (especially in the low range) and the tuba plays well, force air and the MW 32 backs up.

Baltimore Brass sells Meinl Weston (and many other types). Also, check on the used tubas (Baltimore Brass has many). As I have said before, Dave Fedderly is a good person (that knows a lot about tubas) and an honest businessman. His staff is also excellent.

good luck,
Mark

ya i sent an email alredy to baltimore brass about there mw32.....thats where i think im going to buy it from for 3,995

If I were in your situation and price range, I'd seriously consider that particular used instrument. As has been expressed on this forum many times, if you don't damage it, it should hold its resale value pretty well.

Assuming it isn't a dog, of course. Are you going to be able to play-test it?

There is no need to call it a "starter" instrument, either. Again, assuming it is a typical good example (and not a dog), that should be plenty of CC tuba for you throughout college and beyond.

no not going to be able to get over there to play test it due to me living in washington

Here's another endorsement for the MW 32. I have had one for a few years and love it. I use it for band and for quintet, and it seems appropriate for both.

What Mark said about not forcing air through it is quite true. I mostly use a fairly large mouthpiece (a Mike Finn MF3), and that helps.

The pitch is rather good. I do pull the first valve slide for the F just below the staff, and give it a push for all notes that use the first valve above that. [I had the first valve vented and the slide lapped.] One thing to watch out for: The MW 32 normally comes with a main tuning slide that is just right for tuning to A=443 or higher. For tuning to a more righteous A=440, you will need what MW calls the long main tuning slide. [The used instrument may already have the long main tuning slide, but you should ask.] Dillon's, when they sell new MW 32 tubas, normally supply them with the longer slide, but not all USA dealers do so.

The MW 32 has the fastest and most comfortable valves of any tuba I've tried. The speed is only limited by your fingers.

I have had a number of favorable comments on my tone. Although I'd love to take 100% credit for that, I do think that this fine tuba is a major factor.

Cheers,
Allen