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I own a Thor, and I can't express how awesome this horn truly is. It really has that "hammer" sound that everyone talks about. It's a good size 5/4 tuba that can bury an orchestra it wants, but can also have the nimbleness to play solo/chamber music if need be.

Obviously, there are other 5/4 tubas out there that do just the trick as well. It's all about what you're looking for.

- Matthew "not biasing my horn to other 5/4 tubas" Gray

einahpets wrote:

TubaNerd88 wrote:I own a Thor, and I can't express how awesome this horn truly is. It really has that "hammer" sound that everyone talks about. It's a good size 5/4 tuba that can bury an orchestra it wants, but can also have the nimbleness to play solo/chamber music if need be.

Obviously, there are other 5/4 tubas out there that do just the trick as well. It's all about what you're looking for.

- Matthew "not biasing my horn to other 5/4 tubas" Gray

Is holding this tuba on your lap kinda weird. I am kind of short only 5'3" so I am concerned if the body might be too long and then I would have to reach for the 1st tuning slide. Or does it have a fit that is just right? When you first got it did it feel like it took a lot of air to fill up?

I don't hold this horn in my lap. I use a tuba rest because of the ergonomics of the horn. This is a massive 5/4 horn, and I need as much room as I can to breathe properly, so I use a tuba rest to help my breathing and my posture. I'm 6'3'' and this horn feels just right for me.

With the way the horn was built, you can reach under the top bow of the horn and grab the 1st tuning slide with ease, even at your height. It should not be a problem.

When I got this horn, I had been accustomed to playing on a Mirafone 186 Bb for a few years. It was definitely a huge switch. It did take a little more air to fill up the horn, but it wasn't anything too serious. With bigger horns comes bigger air support. You also have to take into account that with these bigger horns, you have to be as relaxed as possible while playing. If you have any tension at all in your playing, your sound will not be as full as it should be.

What happened to that wonderful deal on the 1291??.Bigbob

It sure is a big differance in the price from the 1291 to the thor unless it's used too................................bigbob

I would suggest play-tesing both, if possible. And, if you could have both instruments together to play-test them simultaneously, that would be even better. Assuming instruments that are new, or used with no damage that would affect playability, both of these instruments are great instruments with good track records, both of which are used by serious students and professionals. I don't think you would have regrets either way.

I'm not so sure I like the term, "hammer sound". Maybe this is the subject for a different thread, but if it is being able to perform a loud orchestral passage confidently, with a clear, ringing sound, full of color and beauty, blending with and enhancing the sound of the ensemble, I'm all for it. If it merely means being capable of playing loudly and imposing your sound upon an ensemble with no regard to sensitivity, then I'm against it.

Hello,

I am in the unique position of being a Miraphone Artist (I play the Miraphone 1292) and currently selling Nat McIntosh's Meinl Weston THOR. I have played the horns back to back both alone and in a small and large ensemble.

There is no doubt about the fact that the THOR is a bigger horn than the Miraphone 1291/1292. If feels bigger and it plays bigger (meaning you need a little more air and control to make this wonderful horn sing than you do for the Miraphone). But, for guys who can move a larger column of air and feel comfortable doing that, the THOR would be a better fit for them than the Miraphone. I have had some 6/4's in the past (Cut-York, Meinl Weston 2165, and a PT-6, though that would probably be considered a 5/4)--in my opinion the THOR "plays" SMALLER than all of those (i.e. easier to control) but sounds just as big, if not bigger. The Miraphone plays smaller yet, and sounds, imo, a little less large.

In an ensemble, most folks say that both horns sound about the same size--the Miraphone somehow projects its sound as larger than it is (I use a PT-88 to help in this situation as well). Bass trombonists that I have sat next to say they don't really notice a size difference in the sound, but they say that for me, I sound more in control on the Miraphone than the THOR. BUT!, I would think someone of larger girth--say a Steve Campbell or Alan Baer would have no problem making the THOR work beautifully...of course they make almost any horn sing beautifully!

In the end, I love my Miraphone, and it works fantastically in my quartet and in some brass quintet playing, but I also love this THOR and would probably choose it if the bulk of my work was orchestral playing--I would have to spend more time learning it and getting comfortable with the larger "gas" needed for this SUV. Going with the car analogy, the THOR SUV handles extremely well compared to other larger horns. The Miraphone is more of Honda CRV or ELEMENT rather than an Escalade. I used to own a York 6/4, and while it drove nicely, it really was a Hummer in terms of gas mileage.

I hope this helps--I second Lee Stofer's ideas and if you live anywhere near Madison, WI, I'd be happy to let you try both of these horns back to back--but again, only the THOR is for sale--BTW, only asking $9950 now for this silver horn in its red MW Flight Case (follow the link below to the for sale listing).

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Regards,
Mike
Low Brass & Music Theory Professor
University of Wisconsin-Platteville

What I have found out about MW 2165's is that they are very inconsistent horn to horn. I've played some old, raw-brass beasts that, while not the easiest to play, really sound great. Then I've played new silver models that should stay in the case. Intonation is also somewhat sketchy. You really have to play THE ONE of the 2165 models that you are going to buy and be sure you're happy with it.

In the end, my opinion of the 2165 (take it or leave it) is that it is the most difficult the play of the horns we're talking about. Going with the SUV analogy, we're talking about a big, boxy suburban here. Lots of gas needed, some say smooth ride (nice sound coming out the bell), either way you look at it: hard to parallel park! Generally speaking, in terms of used prices, these are often the least expensive of the set that you are examining.

Hope that helps,
Mike

I cannot say enough about the beautiful sound, ease of response, and expressiveness that I can get on the Thor.
My problems with the instrument are purely ergonomic.
I have a slight over bite and have always played instruments that allow me to cradle them close in and under my embochure. The Thor just does not allow me to play this way.
I think it is an excellent choice if what you are after is depth of sound. I cannot find a 4/4 or 5/4 instrument that creates the the depth of sound that the MW Thor does. However, I am at an age and point in my career where comfort is just as, if not more important, than sound quality.

Frank Ortega

bloke wrote:It was revealed to all a year or so ago that if you wait for a really good sale, you can buy a silver plated Thor brand new for about $7500.

...while this is undoubtedly true, this THOR comes with a flight case, has been performed and approved by a professional, and is for sale right now (would make a fabulous Christmas present! )

Regards,
Mike