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Jon Meyer wrote:What RECENT MODEL M-W have you played? How have you liked it?

Were I a good tuba player in the market for a general-purpose CC tuba, I'd be out on the corner selling lemonade to earn the money needed to get a Meinl-Weston 2000.

And if I wanted a big rotary BBb kaiser tuba, the 195 Fafner is the only one I've played that had that ease of tone production common to big American tubas but still the commanding sound of a German rotary tuba.

These two of the ones I've played glow in the dark, for me.

Rick "who found other models to be competitive but not compelling" Denney

i have a 2145 that i really like a lot - picked out of a batch of 6-8, and fits me really well - the people that have heard me play it back to back with a 2000 prefer how i sound on the 2145, although the majority of people prefer the 2000

i also have a 32 (5 rotor 4/4 cc) that has really good pitch and a great sound, i have found that they really do make great quality horns in a number of different sizes - even if there are valve issues! i would suggest trying out as many as you can next to each other, there was a bit of variance between like models that i tried... i also found that in searching for a good fit i ended up with something different than my origianial suspiscion - i had a 2155 for a little over a year, downsized to the 2145, and then many people on gigs were coming up to me and asking what i was doing differently since it sounded bigger - guess i just had to find a better fit...

well, back to practicing -sorry to babble so much...

am sure many people have found differently - i probably just play wierdly...

mikejohnson wrote:I've had a Fafner 195 in my stable since September, I can honestly say it's the best Bb I've had! and there have been a few, including an old Holton.
It has taken longer than I expected for it to feel familiar, especially as it needs the Tuning slide out nearly 2" for a 440. BUT THE SOUND!
I've just taken delivery of a removable 5th valve from the factory that they are thinking of putting into production as an "add on" works really well.
FWIW
Mike

Mike, there are old Holtons and then there are old Holtons. I've played a bunch, and some felt like they took the air out of me, while others put the air back in. Mine is alive in my hands and blows as easily as the Fafner. I've played a couple that were nearly as good, but others have been like playing rocks. Holtons ran the gamut. If the 195's are consistent, as they appear to be, it'll be a lot easier on folks who've been waiting a long time for that right big BBb to come along.

Much as I liked the 195 I tooted this week, I like my Holton better. But I would not say that for most of the Holtons I've played.

Rick "amazed by the variability of big horns" Denney

I have had success with Meinl Weston Tubas, but not with the 451 Euphonium. I play the 45S F tuba and honestly think it'll be the one I stay with for many, many years. I have played many other Meinl Weston tubas and have always liked them.

The 451 euphonium, on the other hand just didn't work for me or two of my students who intended to buy them. The problem was pitch. It was just not possible for me to play it in tune. If I set the 1st valve slide to plat Eb in the staff in tune, the Ab was a little sharp, and the upper Eb was almost an E... were talking 1/2 step sharp. Please note, I do know a few players who have had success with these horns. You always hear of there being a few stinkers in any given production run. I suspect that the production run of 451 euphoniums were mostly stinkers with a few good ones.

I've played a Meinl Weston 2145 CC tuba for the past three years. It's an awesome all-purpose horn. By the way, it's now for sale since I'm back to playing trumpet full-time. H42836@aol.com for photos.

youngtubaboy wrote:

Rick Denney wrote: get a Meinl-Weston 2000.

I personally think that the 2000 is overpriced

I have gone through 2 CC tubas before I found one which I believe could be the last 4/4 horn I ever need, namely my MW 2000.

The horn is overpriced only if you can find something which you like at least just as well if not moreso for a cheaper price. Personally, I have not found such a horn for me yet. My F tuba used to be my favorite instrument. I always hoped to one day find a CC tuba which was nearly as good. I now believe that my CC is better than my F.

If a less expensive instrument meets your needs and you are pleased with it than congrats.

mikejohnson wrote:I've had a Fafner 195 in my stable since September, I can honestly say it's the best Bb I've had!

Who stocks the Fafner 195 and do those retailers bring that model to the booths at the various conventions?