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Played one back in October. It was very nice, indeed. Very clear tone, good intonation(at least that one) responsive in all registers. It's a 4R2L set up, so there is some getting used to fingering 5 with your left hand, but nothing that can't be learned. You are correct on the 5/6 fingerings. I liked playing this instrument. Try one for yourself, though.
John Cradler

Hey, Guys,
They had one at ITEC in June and recently brought one up for NYSSMA, so I got to confirm my original thoughts on the JBL.

I thought that this was the best rotary F tuba I have played. Very, very articulate. Beautiful sound. Good scale.

That being said, I'm an Eb guy/piston F guy, so I still don't like rotary F-tuba low range, but this one did have a very useable low C and with the six-valves, plenty of low range intonation options.

Only opinions, but for what it is worth, this is a great F tuba. . . and certainly I have never heard anyone play anything like Jens Bjorn Larrsen. He is incredible.

--T. J.

tubashaman2 wrote:As one day in the next 9 years I am looking for a F tuba...

Well, in the next 9 years, there will probably be a lot of new tubas (mostly with a player's name attached to them? )

Another new entry to the field will be the new Miraphone piston F tuba, but I'm not sure when it'll come out. My wild guess is that it'll be Miraphone's competitor to the MW-45slp. There was a thread on here a while back about the prototype of it...just a thought!

How about compare with the new MW Kronos F tuba ?

For ME, the JBL Classic F tuba is probably the best F tuba on the planet. It loves the way I play and complements it nicely. Great low register, with a fine low C. I use a PT65 for solo stuff and a Bruno Tilz M2 for some solos and orchestral playing. The tuning is excellent and it has a sound that is just gorgeous to my ears. It can play with a huge amount of sound and balance the strongest brass section, yet it can whisper sweetly when necessary with very little effort on the part of the player. The high range is glorious and extremely easy to play.

I know I will never need another F tuba as I don't think anything out there could match the way this horn plays for ME. There is a 5 valve version now available that Jens says is wonderful, with all 5 valves on the right hand. I prefer the 4+2 set-up as it eliminates any potential for confusing it with my rotary CC tuba.

Another great aspect of this instrument is that it is a "signature" instrument. None are allowed to leave the factory until Jens has play tested it. I know if Jens likes the way it plays, I'm gonna love it.

I have a stronger bond with my F tuba than most. That is a picture of it in my avatar after it literally saved my life in a truck wreck. It has been back to the factory a made new again.

Just my $0.02
Roger

Hey Roger,

do you know if the new Kronos, Kodiak or JBL Classic will be at TMEA this year? It'd be great to stop by and say hey if you're also gonna be there!

-CT

Hi Casey.

The Kodiak and probably the JBL will be at TMEA more than likely. The Kronos, I believe, is a custom horn only made for one distributor in Austria, built by Meinl Weston but controlled for distribution by the outfit that they are making them for. I doubt you'll get a chance to whack on one of these without a trip to Europe.

I may be completely wrong, but this is my take on things.

All the best to all.
Roger

fantastic! it just so happens im going to europe early january. hopefully i can convince my dad to deal with my tuba addiction and go see the factory. thanks!

-CT