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After spending the summer on a rotary F tuba, I think I've finally realized that I want to be back on a rotary CC tuba.

I'll have about $5k *max*, so clearly looking for something used, and something "4/4" or a little bit larger (but not too large). Not interested in Chinese horns or the rotary Yamaha's either. Here's my short list so far of things to check out, but I'm sure I'm forgetting some good options:

* Miraphone 188 (no 186's)
* MW 37 Bell Model
* Rudy Meinl 45 4/4
* PT-20

Ideally, I'd hold out until the Army Band conference, try them all out, and then form an opinion. But I know buying used means being "on call" for when the right thing pops up. Thanks for the help!

Rudolf Meinl 4/4 viewtopic.php?f=4&t=40008" target="_blank

Check the For Sale page for more

I know. I'm just worried it'll get snapped up before I have my $$ in order.

Baltimore Brass Company has a very nice Meinl Weston, Model 30. Click on the following link.

http://www.baltimorebrass.net/index.php?cat=5

I played this tuba. It is worthy of consideration. Also, Baltimore Brass Company is a very reputable dealer. I highly recommend them!

With a .689 bore and a 16 1/2 inch bell, I would not call the MW37 Bill Bell model a "large" 4/4. I'd more likely call the Conn 56J with its 20 inch bell and same bore a "large" 4/4.

iiipopes wrote:With a .689 bore and a 16 1/2 inch bell, I would not call the MW37 Bill Bell model a "large" 4/4. I'd more likely call the Conn 56J with its 20 inch bell and same bore a "large" 4/4.

Yeah, I realized that too. My bad. In general, I'm looking a little bigger than this, but I'm still interested to try one.

hbcrandy wrote:Baltimore Brass Company has a very nice Meinl Weston, Model 30. Click on the following link.

http://www.baltimorebrass.net/index.php?cat=5

I played this tuba. It is worthy of consideration. Also, Baltimore Brass Company is a very reputable dealer. I highly recommend them!

I actually bought a VMI-made MW-30 from BBC about 7 years ago. Nice tuba, but I've never really missed it that much since selling it. Playing it alongside a Miraphone 188, there was no comparison (to me). But of course, I would give it a try if the opportunity presented itself.

What about a Cerveny CCB681 if you are on tight budget?

The PT-20 does produce a good broad tone and is ideal as an all-purpose CC. I am personally intrigued how the Miraphone Bruckner compares - in pictures they look remarkably similar?

Cheaper than a PT-20 might be its predecessor, the PT-4 to fill your need

Neptune wrote:Cheaper than a PT-20 might be its predecessor, the PT-4 to fill your need

I just played a PT-4 at the TBA Convention, and I was thoroughly impressed. I thought it responded just *slightly* quicker than the PT-20P (there was no PT-20 at the convention, though).

I've got no real beef with the Cerveny CC's I've tried, but I think I like some of the other models listed here better.

I played a PT-3 in college, and I do like the PT lineup from what I've tried before.

I'm not in a huge rush, just trying to think of any obvious omissions from my list.

That Rudy is a screaming buy.

I agree ... You should jump on that Rudy meinl on the for sale forum. Those are way nice and way more expensive than 5k normally.

Cameron Gates wrote:That Rudy is a screaming buy.

Having tried a Rudy 4/4 after buying a PT-20, I would happily have bought the Rudy instead (although the PT-20 is excellent). In fact I preferred the Rudy 4/4 CC to their 5/4 model. That one in the for sale section does sound a give away!

I have a MW 32 CC in the for sale section of this board. Its very similar to the MW Bell model that listed in your options for purchase and the price is well within your budget.

Matt

I used to have a 4-valve MW-30, and it was a nice tuba but maybe not exactly what I want this go-round. For that price though, it's a steal. Some college kid should snap that up post-haste.

bloke wrote:There's an old saying:

good / quick / cheap

Pick two.

I always tell my CB director:

fast / clean / loud.

Pick two

I can't imagine a better deal than the 4/4 Rudy for under 5K. They just don't turn up on the market often. That or the vintage MiraFone 186.....but I know your not looking for a 186....just saying.

They aren't the current flavor of the month but Cerveny makes a great 5/4 C. There are two in the For Sale section on here now. I owned two over the years and only recently played some newer ones and discovered that they can be inconsistant but if you find a good one they're hard to beat. Good Luck, Ed

bort wrote: I'll have about $5k *max*,
* Miraphone 291 Bruckner (I know there are no used ones )

As outstanding as these horns are, if one ever comes on the used market, do you really think it is likely to sell for under five grand?

HA! You're right about that. No, I certainly wouldn't expect a used one to go anywhere close to $5k any time soon. I just started by listing some tubas I'm interested in, then wrote the post around that and forgot to go back. Off the list now.

Now everyone pipe down about that Rudy while I try to get the $$ together... Unless someone lucky beats me to it, which of course, could easily happen.