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I am looking at a B&S PT-7, and am wondering why no one ever talks about it. You hear all the talk about the PT-6, but why not the PT-7? Is there a problem with this horn, or is it simply just not as popular?

All of the 7's that I have played have been outstanding instruments. On both the playing and listening ends, I've have consistently preferred the sound to that of the Yorkbrunner, the 7's more popular companion in the 6/4 CC league. I think the reason that they are not talked about more is the perception that they are very much a niche horn that has very little utility outside of a 90 piece symphony orchestra. While I can see the reasoning for this argument, I, personally, am not totally convinced by it.

Kyle

I think there are a few reasons that you don't hear much about them or see many people with them. (especially vs. the PT-6):

I've played 4 or 5 of them over the years.

-Unlike the PT-6, it's a 6/4 and not a a good "tweener" horn ("tweener": clearly larger than a 4/4 but smaller than a BAT...ie, PT-6)

-They sound fine, but there isn't anything "special" in the sound to me.

-The VMI branded Mel Culbertson is the same horn and costs less just because it hasn't been "perantouched."

-I think there are more playable and definitely more interesting to listen to 6/4 tubas on the market, too. Think MW, Gronitz, et all.

-Resale value on them seems awful (based on the asking prices I've seen for used one) because "hotter" horns are available at a lower price point brand new.

EDIT: Also, the PT-7 is only available as a "Perantucci" as the PT-7P. My vote is actually for the Culbertson Neptune with rotors. Every one I've played has been an excellent tuba. I'd very much like to own one.

I play on the PT-7 (I'm the Andy Smith tubashaman was talking about). I really really like my horn. I am a bigger guy so this horn really fits me well. I tried 2 pt-6's and the pt-7 for Perantoni at TMEA two years ago and he thought I sounded a lot better on the 7. The reason I like this horn is that (in my opinion from playing this horn) this horn definitely gets the huge sound you expect from a 6/4 but also has the flexibility of a smaller horn which I haven't found in other 6/4. It is a little more expensive, but to me at least it was worth it. I think this horn isn't as popular simply because most auditions nowadays are won on 5/4. Dr. Wass the tuba professor at tech also plays on the 7 and he's really why I even started looking at the horn. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask (I'll do my best to answer them).