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HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:30 pm
by Kory101
Thoughts? Observations on these two horns?
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:39 pm
by jon112780
They are both big and shiny.

Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:42 pm
by tubashaman2
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Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:43 pm
by Kory101
Sorry, I guess I am not worthy enough to consider either of these horns. My mistake. I wasn't aware that a little 3rd year student couldn't pose a question to the board asking their opinions on these horns. I don't think it's fair of you to judge my maturity as a player. I was simply asking what players think of these horns against one another. Maybe I wouldn't know exactly which horn suits me best, that is why Im asking these questions. I know how I play. But what I don't know is which tubas would suit my playing the best. Hence the questions.
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:07 pm
by CC
Here's my $.02 worth...
I've played really exceptional examples of both horns and some not so exceptional. They are very high-end "sports cars" but IMHO they do have some subtle differences that, in general, would be more obvious in a playing situation.
As far as the HB50's go, I've found them to be a little more "aggressive" sounding in nature but it depends on the player. Many high profile players have used them (and still are), but it just depends on your personal tastes.
Personally, I own a Nirschl and really enjoy the range of colors and the sheer agility that horn has. Its not as tall as the HB50 and the angle of the leadpipe is probably going to be more of an issue for most, but I (and my back row buddies) enjoy it immensely.
You should try several of these horns if possible before dropping the coin on investment like that. If you can afford the $30K+ for the Nirschl then go for it. I know that a new HB50 is going for significantly less now ($20K+), so that could be a factor in your search.
It's really great that the selection of really high-end instruments has increased over the past years.
There is a wide selection of stuff available, so don't limit yourself. Good luck on your search!
DP wrote:
why in your world would you want an HB-50 or a Nirschl York-model ?? IMO if you have to ask here, you are not a mature enough player to even be ABLE to select a "good one" after play-testing it, let alone apply the prowess to usiing such a beast.
Was this really necessary? Can't we all just get along?
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:29 pm
by Tubadork
DP you can judge for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1K7dpjiZSU" target="_blank
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:16 pm
by Chris Smith
Can I ask who the tuba worthiness police are? I'd love to meet them and get the insight on who should be allowed to buy tubas. I mean if there is some sort of form I should fill out? Maybe some qualifications? I should send in my resume and make sure I am mature enough so that I can get advice on tubenet.
*I am going to edit this post and say that most of the time I greatly enjoy DP's posts and have learned a great deal from them. I just don't understand that question.*
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:28 pm
by ZNC Dandy
Contrary to some of what has been posted. I have played some dogsh*t HB-50's. Just crap horns. I have not however, played a Nirschl that is a dog. The HB-50's i've played that are good, are fantastic horns. The Nirschl's that are good are in that same league. The handmade Meinl-Weston Baer 6450/2, as well as the non-handmade 6450 I played were better than both of them, to me. It had my ideal 6/4 tuba sound. A very malleable sound. It will do whatever you tell it to do. Sort of like an Alexander. Can be played very small, or big, VERY BIG. Has tremendous dynamic range. Try everything and get what is the best amplifier for the sound in your head.
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:30 pm
by Todd S. Malicoate
Kory101 wrote:Thoughts? Observations on these two horns?
Seems like very open-ended questions to me. I don't suppose anyone complaining about DPs comment happened to notice that he took the time to give two very informative paragraphs about the horns in question.
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:19 pm
by Alex C
Well, back to the question at hand:
I've played a number of both models and owned both types. Someone earlier said that the Nirschl's were each one-off's, indicating that the production is uneven. The same can be said of the Yorkbrunner. In each type there are horns that will be dodgey for some players; there will be a couple that are dodgey for all players.
The Yorkbrunner tends to be darker in sound (more lower overtones) and be more consistantly the same sound in all ranges at all dynamics. In that way it is a truly remarkable horn. It has also gone through a number of "updates," some work and some don't. I do think many Yorkbrunners can be tweaked to play better, mine did.
The Nirschl can be bright and lively (to use a Rick word) sounding. More colors are available in the dynamic rangess which makes it a bit harder for many players to control but offers the better players opportunities that aren't available on the Yorkbrunner. It can make a strong player sound better and a weaker player sound awful.
Within each type is a wide variety but I don't think anyone is going to mistake the sound of a Nirschl for that of a Yorkbrunner and vice versa.
Yeah, and while we're on the subject: I wanna be on the Tubenet Approval Committee! Vote for me next time!
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:23 pm
by tubashaman2
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Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:49 pm
by cjk
I'd take this:

Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:16 am
by Kory101
I am looking at a the 6450 as well. I've been speaking a lot with Mr. Baer about his tuba and also asking people on here about it as well. The next step is to get out there and try all these wonderful instruments out!
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:35 am
by tubashaman2
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Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:36 am
by tubashaman2
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Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:41 am
by Kory101
Thank you, I have already been in touch with Mr. Hall. James, I have not decided on a horn that i want yet. I haven't even played a horn that Im considering. I am just getting advice from other players out there. Seeing what people think of different horns. I've talked with my teacher and and Mr. Beauchesne who plays in the Victoria Symphony and they both are pushing me towards a Baer. Everyone seems to like them. I have not heard or read one bad review of this tuba. As I have never played one I cant say for sure. Maybe I will hate it. I am just seeing what the players on this board think of other 6/4 tubas.
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:57 am
by ZNC Dandy
Bob1062 wrote:
how the f--- is a 2-door FRONT wheel drive auto a MUSCLE car?
Which one of the cars mentioned is a front drive car?

Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 5:28 pm
by Todd S. Malicoate
ZNC Dandy wrote:Which one of the cars mentioned is a front drive car?

Hmmm...let's see. Corvette, Camaro, GTO, 442...I'm kind of wondering that myself???
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:12 pm
by Steve Inman
After a multi-month absence from perusing TubeNet, there is nothing so refreshing as finding a thread like this one. Ah yes ... nothing ever changes.
Re: HB-50 Vs. Nirschl York
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:19 pm
by Todd S. Malicoate
Steve Inman wrote:After a multi-month absence from perusing TubeNet, there is nothing so refreshing as finding a thread like this one. Ah yes ... nothing ever changes.
Welcome back! Y'all kick off yer shoes and stay awhile, ya hear?