My saga began when I decided to sell my Rudy 5/4 in hopes of finding an easier to play horn. I loved the sound of my Rudy, but that's where my love ended. I had the tuba for 10 years, had great success in auditions (including winning my current gig) and performances, and really appreciated the sweet sound of the German rotary tuba. However, it was time for something new.
I worked diligently to amass several 6/4 tubas to try and play test in one sitting with a very trustworthy friend, Tony Kniffen. In addition to my Rudy 5/4, we had Tony's Yorkbrunner, a Yamaha York, 2 Gronitz PCK's, and a Fafner. From the group, we liked the Yamaha York and Lacquered Gronitz the best (#1, and #2). The only horn in the bunch that was actually for sale was the lacquered Gronitz! In fact, it's a hell of a tuba, and it's for sale here on our very own TubeNet! See here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=31460" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank
My quest, however was not done. I worked things out with Roger Lewis to play test a bizillion tubas at WWBW. He recalled 16 or so Thors, 4 handmade Baers, and 1 production Baer. These were all tubas I was specifically interested in. I hauled the Gronitz that was graciously lent to me for an extended period of time up to WWBW, and Tony brought the Yamaha York and Fafner. Before Tony got there, I started sifting through the tubas to find ones I liked. I started with the Baers and never really left! There were 2 handmades that I loved, until roger brought out a production model.
I have played quite a few of the Baers at conferences and clinics, and always liked the handmades. They responded a little better and I found the color of the sound more pleasing. That is, until I played this production model. This one was actually pretty unique. The bell had been completely crushed in shipment and Roger sent it away to be rolled out. There's hardly a scar anywhere to be seen! The tuba itself feels as light as a handmade, and has a basically handmade bell after being reworked.
After playing the 2 handmade horns I liked and the production, my choice was easy... save 6k on a horn that plays as well and in tune as a handmade, or not? Needless to say, I saved myself 6k and didn't even have Roger unpack the Thors he ordered in (Terribly sorry Roger!)
Now, for the kudos! Roger Lewis has been absolutely fantastic with his time, his friendship, and customer service! He's been lauded many time here on TubeNet, and rightfully so. This is the 5th tuba I've purchased from him (4 for work, including 2 shiny new sousaphones!) and each one has been simple and never ever any pressure! I think I called Roger daily for weeks prior to trying horns to make sure he had this horn, or that mouthpiece, or the weather conditions, or...etc.. etc.. Every time we spoke he was helpful, generous with his time, and very encouraging.
When I decided on a tuba, Roger put it away for me as I gathered up the dough... no hesitation. In the 2 weeks it took me to round up all the cash, I think I may have called Roger a million times crunching details. Every time he was reassuring and reminded me to be patient (But, I wanted my new tuba, damnitt!
)Finally, I paid for it Monday, Roger packed it up that day, and I got it Today. Next day shipping for free! This is where the Horn dorn comes in: You can see the sequence of unpacking clearly follows the same model that Norm Pearson outlined a few days ago. The tuba was wrapped in the MW bag and bubble wrap, the bell filled with air pillows, and the huge box filled with 6 30gal. trash bags full of air pillows. Not a single scratch on it!
Thank you Roger for being a great friend, and one hell of a tuba packer!
