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Hello, all. This is mainly a question for the Meinl Weston Baer owners but I was just wondering what kinds of playing situations you use those in and whether you prefer the handmade to the production model. What are the general playing characteristics? I hear that the Baer model isn't quite a 6/4. Almost like a really big 5/4...Is this really the case? Would it be justifiable for a college student to own one and use it in many if not all situations? I've heard only great things about these horns, but want to hear both sides, the good and the bad. Any help would be awesome. Thanks very much!

Rich-"just curious"

tubadood5150 wrote:Hello, all. This is mainly a question for the Meinl Weston Baer owners but I was just wondering what kinds of playing situations you use those in and whether you prefer the handmade to the production model. What are the general playing characteristics? I hear that the Baer model isn't quite a 6/4. Almost like a really big 5/4...Is this really the case? Would it be justifiable for a college student to own one and use it in many if not all situations? I've heard only great things about these horns, but want to hear both sides, the good and the bad. Any help would be awesome. Thanks very much!

Rich-"just curious"

As one who plays a large instrument, I would suggest that the Baer (which is a grand orchestral tuba by any definition) is too big for many applications. I have played my Holton in, for example, a quintet, but when doing so, I have to use the bottom quarter of the instrument's dynamic range to keep from overwhelming the group. It's not loudness, it's quantity and breadth of sound. These instruments are best suited to large ensembles. Even when I hold back, I feel like the resulting sound is tuba solo with brass quartet accompaniment.

If you look at those who play these, I think you'll find that nearly all of them use other instruments in many situations, either F tubas or smaller C tubas.

No matter how good a big tuba like this is (and the Baer model is among the best, particularly the hand-made version), it's still an instrument made for playing in orchestras, under the assumption that the owner will use something smaller for chamber music and solo work. In other words, it is intended as a specialty instrument, not a tuba that can do it all.

Of course, the right player can make just about any tuba serve just about any purpose, but it's a matter of how hard you want to work.

If you are hell-bent on spending that kind of money, and you want a larger tuba, consider the 5450 instead of the 6450. The Thor really is a 5/4 tuba and it's plenty big enough for large ensembles, but also small enough to use in chamber music.

At the end of the day, though, it's you who has to make the right sound, and you who has to make the decision.

Rick "think versatility, not specialty" Denney

Thank you, Mr. Denney. You answered my questions exactly how I wanted and got all the info. I needed. Very helpful. I must try many many many tubas out to find that gem. Thanks again.


Rich-"who is glad to have somewhere to ask these questions and actually have them answered"

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I played on one of these horns for about a month. What a great instrument!! As noted in an earlier post, the mid/upper register response was amazing. The intonation was incredible as well. For an instrument this size, it is extrememly nimble and responsive. The valve stroke was not too long, and the four pistons fit my hand very well. The thumb trigger for the fifth valve takes a little getting used to, but with the adjustable thumb ring, finding the right height just takes a little tinkering.

As for what to use this horn for; large ensembles. I did not get the opportunity to play this horn in a quintet, but did play it in a TE quartet. It is just too big for small ensemble work.

Despite the prohibitive price, I thought it was an outstanding horn with a lot of potential for some serious orchestral work.