TubeNet

Just a quick rave: spent a little time at Baltimore Brass today. Played several nice horns, but was completely blown away by the 2250! I was just grabbing horns (Christmas for tuba players in that place), and thought I had grabbed a CC by the size. But the horn felt surprisingly light (in pounds).

And then I played it...

WOW!

A rich, full tone that was deep in the lower registers, yet brightened into (dare I say it) an Alex-like ring in the upper registers. No Black Holes, dead spots, stuffy response, crazy intonation anywhere: just effortless playing and joy.

I told David he shouldn't let it get out of the shop: it's that good!

I had never played an F tuba that I felt could truly "do it all" like the 2250. And I could make it sound just like I wanted to, rather than have to accommodate the limitations of the horn.

5 Valves Up!

Karl "who is not a paid spokesman for anyone or anything, and loves his Alex F in spite of it's limitations" H.

bloke wrote:I've read enough good reviews that (yes) my curiosity is definitely peeked (as it was LAST year when I went the the 2010 Army conference to see a M-W 2250...but not a one on the display floor. ). I sure would like to play one in front of an electronic tuner (and away from an elephant room). That's usually the one aspect that doesn't get critically reviewed, tuba-wise.

Bloke, I'd love to hear your opinion on this horn. Only subjective, but my all-too-human ears didn't stumble over any obvious intonation issues (expanded/compressed octaves, overtone series' that defy logic, etc.). But after a lifetime of Alex playing, I am perhaps more easy to please...

I was fortunate in being the only tuba-playing customer in BBC at the time so I was able to get a pretty good idea of how the horn sounded. (For those who haven't been, BBC is a very large, almost warehouse-like facility. I'm bad at guessing dimensions, but the ceiling is probably 20-30 feet up: the main showroom would make a very respectable recital hall). Although I was alone, the horn seemed capable of being a beautiful solo instrument, while also having the breadth and volume needed for ensembles of every size. And I had my personal Alex F with me to provide a direct comparison.

I've always said I'd never give up my Alex, but the 2250 has got me thinking...

Would love to hear other's opinions about it.

Karl "isn't it great to have all these new designs to choose from?" H.

I tried the 2250 at the conference and I liked it. But I like my Petrushka better. Just feels more open in all registers to me. But if the 2250 was available back when I was in the market for an F tuba, I would have spent some more time with it in a better location to try horns. Plus I spent nearly $2000 less on the Petrushka, so that's a big deal.

Stefan