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MW 18 " Handy "

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:02 pm
by jamsav
Looking to possibly upgrade into this " compact " , played it, liked it , love the size .
Does it play " big enough " in concert hall ? Enough tuba to push a 50 piece wind ensemble ? Will I be drowned out in a concert band with two other tubas ? Opinions please ...thanks - edited in response to Pauvogs accurate comments- regarding more info needed...I personally think I d be " underpowered " . I also like the 25 but the diffence in cost is a consideration ...

Re: MW 18 " Handy "

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:32 pm
by joh_tuba
I wouldn't be so eager to take advice from someone that has never played the horn in question.

Smaller does not mean less sound. Otherwise trumpet wouldn't be nearly so obnoxious. :P

What *is* different with smaller horns is the character of the sound, NOT the quantity. If you like the sound that it produces(and why wouldn't you?) then you are set. :)

The MW18 is a killer horn and perfectly suited to cover pretty much anything. It's a gem.

My advice:
Buy it, be happy, and never look back. :)

Re: MW 18 " Handy "

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:10 am
by imperialbari
Wasn’t this model designed for playing St. Louis Blues in a bathroom?

Re: MW 18 " Handy "

Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 3:01 pm
by bigboymusic
I played in a group with two tubas. Myself on an Alex and a guy who had a MW18. The band was a fairly good municipal group. His horn complimented my horn perfectly. Whenever the parts split, I took the lows he took the highs. With three in the section, I bet the horn works well. Find the right MP! Whenever I played on his 18, it never sounded 'small', just a bit more centered with less overall ring. Almost like some newer 186's I've played. Not the older 186. I have played a couple older 186 models that really have a great depth to them.

Re: MW 18 " Handy "

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 2:01 pm
by jamsav
Thank you boys- much appreciated- I have narrowed my choices down to a used MW 25 or a new Nirschl 700- - - a lot to consider...js