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can someone give me their opinion about the two meinl weston tubas as compared to each other. i know the 32 is supposed to be a 3/4 horn but they seem pretty full sized to me. also what do people think about the MW2145? is it powerful enough to carry with a moderately sized orchestra?

mw 2145?...yes
32? maybe not


helpful?

Check the TubeNet search function, much has been written about both of these (I have posted on the MW32). I happen to like the MW 32 very much, but go try them and see for yourself. Also, Baltimore Brass has new and used Meinl Weston tubas and other brands.

good luck,
Mark

Regarding the size of the MW32: It is a 4/4. It is labeled such on the MW web site. It is about the same size as other "4/4" tubas, is definitely larger than 3/4 tubas and smaller than 5/4 tubas. Indeed, the only "3/4" reference to the MW32 I have seen is on the Baltimore Brass web site. [I don't know if that is a typo, or a real difference in opinion.]

I have a MW32, but have never played their 2145. The two tubas are around the same size. Myself, I like rotary valves more than piston valves; it's a personal preference. I can say that I am very satisfied with my MW32.

By the way, on the designations of tuba sizes, each manufacturer seems to have a different measurement system. For example, the Rudy Meinl tubas are under-designated (or oversized). Their "3/4" CC is about the same size as everyone else's 4/4. And, their "5/4" CC is the same size as other 6/4 CC tubas. I also hear that their 6/4 BBb is the size of a truck (7/4 tubas, anyone?).

Allen Walker

The 2145 can be DDDDark if one needs to. I was amazed at how dark it sounded when listening to recordings of myself. I think that very dark sound is charasteric of all the Meinl Weston 2145,55,and 65 models (Not as much so the thinner and handmade 2000). So if one wants a non-huge horn that does not sound like a pea shooter, the 2145 can be considered. Unlike the similarly dark PT 4P and cousins, the 2145 seems to have a more centered / less spread sound (probably because of the smaller bell on the 2145) Playing next to 186's in Wind Ensemble, I much prefer the 2145 sound and response, as it does not have that brassy edge even the newer Mirafones can get prematurely and is more free blowing. For solo playing, some of those Mirafone characteristics may actually be prefered.
I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but hopes it helps. In all honesty, if I had the bucks, I would probably take a 2000 over a 2145.

me wrote:can someone give me their opinion about the two meinl weston tubas as compared to each other. i know the 32 is supposed to be a 3/4 horn but they seem pretty full sized to me. also what do people think about the MW2145? is it powerful enough to carry with a moderately sized orchestra?

Matt Gaunt would be the perfect person to answer this question. He has a MW32 for sale and has been using a 2145 regularly for a while. here's the link for his horn for sale, and his e-mail address is linked at the bottom.

http://members.aol.com/mhgaunt/forsale.htm

-ck