Tuba Comparison

[Himes]

Greetings,

I am looking for a 5/4 horn that has a large, resonant sound, but is diverse enough to use as a solo and chamber horn. In the running is the MW 2000, the MW 5450 "Thor," and the B&S Parentucci PT-6P. Has anyone played these three back-to-back? Has anyone just played these enough to give me a reasonable comparison on their sound/response/usefulness?

Thanks.

[iiipopes]

Have you also considered the Rudy 45 or 50, the Miraphone 188 (small for a 5/4, but still substantial); or some of the other new M-W models?

[MikeMason]

Just my opinion-all of these would be a tad too big for me for the stated purposes.I'd be thinking mira 1291/1292 or maybe a rudy 3/4 CC.You just have to weigh which of the stated activities are a higher priority for you.It's certainly possible to use any of your proposed horns for any purpose,with enough chops.Getting an appropriate sound for quintet and solos would make me want something a little smaller.I like the idea of buying ugly,used,great functioning/sounding horns and getting a CC and an F for your available budget.If you shop hard,it's possible.

[J.c. Sherman]

You could do far worse than the 2000 or the 188. Both great horns. I think the 188 is a little "tighter", and I think it feels more controlled at the softer dynamics. But it has pretty big b@[[s.

YMMV

J.c.

[THE TUBA]

Earlier today, I did have a chance to play the three aforementioned horns within the same hour, and all three have distinct "feels" to the way they play. The THOR and PT-6 are both substantially larger than the MW 2000. I like to think of the 2000 as more of a 4/4 horn and the other two as mini-BATS. I think the 2000 will allow you to wear more hats, especially in small ensemble/solo settings, but it carries a hefty price tag. The THOR and PT-6 seem like they work great for large ensemble playing, but they might be a little large if you are looking for an all-around horn.

[Nick Pierce]

I'll throw in two cents for the Miraphone 1291. Now that, in my humble opinion, is a true all round horn. Felt good for the big ensemble stuff, and the opening of the second movement of the Vaughan Williams felt and sound great on it.

The same could also be said of the MW 2145's I've tried, but I didn't like the sound quite as much.

My $.02.