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I am looking at a Hirsbrunner BBb 5 valve rotary tuba. I have always admired the sound of Hirsbrunners that I have heard, but I am not sure about 5 rotary valves. I haven't played the horn yet, but I was wondering if anyone had played one of these horns and could provide any feedback.
Thanks,
Rick

Which model is it?

The model number is 192.

If the rotors are made of brass, be interested.

If they are not, don't.

Thanks, I think they have plastic inserts.

You should still be interested.


DCO

Thanks, Dan. Do you think the plastic inserts would cause valve problems?
Rick

A possible option, one I neither recommend nor discourage , would be the clones of such. I generally play rather poorly on rotary contrabasses, but I've been impressed by the few I've played.
And there's always the Miraphone 191, but you don't seem to be asking for similar options...

If you like how it plays, then I would say that regardless of brass or nylon rotors, you should buy it. I've heard of people who hated the nylon rotors, and I've heard people that have had zero problems with them. The internet will never tell you the right answer, you'll just have to give it a try. And worst case, it's just a tuba, you can modify it!

The plastic part of the composite rotors is called Tryplen. They're known to be problematic.

So go read this:
http://www.chisham.com/tips/bbs/jan2000 ... 21012.html" target="_blank

And DEFINITELY read this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=32122" target="_blank

I wouldn't own a tuba with Tryplen rotors. They are known to be a problem. You may not be able to tell if they will be problematic with just a trial period. IMHO, the best way to not have problems with them is to not own them in the first place.

Of course, most sellers of these tubas with Tryplen rotors say they've never had a problem with them. Some people lie. Some people tell the truth. Lots of used car salesmen out there.

Dennis Miller had no end of troubles with his. He ended up replacing them.

Thanks for the feedback. I had no idea of the history of these horns relative to the valve issues. Now it could be a tough decision.

Rick

DP wrote:pfft!

Do NOT shy away from that horn based upon the "valve issues" one outspoken voice mentioned.

I'll say that again, do NOT shy away from that horn based upon the "valve issues" one outspoken voice mentioned.

The BBflat Hirsbrunners have always been fine tubas, that specific "problem" has been repeated so often (by so people who have never even had a Hirsbrunner in their lap) that it has grown legs and (seeming) credibility. Have the horn "looked at" if you must by an experienced tuba repair person, and discuss the possible choice with your teacher.

Meh.

Me? Outspoken?

I'd love to see some pictures! I have 3 valve compensating HB BBb rotary which is planned to have a new 5 valve valve-section in about two month's.

If a lesser costing tuba had valve problems, yes, stay away from it. But if this particular tuba sounds and plays as you desire otherwise, and if you're going to spend the big $$ on an HB, just budget that much more to get a set of replacements from the factory and be done with it, as they will cause problems sooner or later.

bump for photo's

Sorry, I don't have any pictures. Thanks to everyone for all the good input.
Rick

So anyway, back to your original question. The 5 valve BBb Hirshy will play a lot like the 4 valve, just with an extra valve. I would love to have a 5 valve Hirsbrunner. Solid horns, great intonation, centered, etc. One of my closest friends has a CC with the "valves that can't be mentioned". When I first met him he had some problems with them expanding when playing outside in the hot sun. He eventually had the valves "honed" just as we do brass piston valves. That was roughly 20 years ago. We are still close friends (despite his owning a horn with those valves), he still owns and plays that horn almost daily and has not had "any" issues at all with the valves. Here is what I would suggest. If you can play the horn, go outside, sit in the sun so the sun is directly on the valves and play for 1/2-an-hour, two hours, three or until the neighbors cant' take it anymore and call the police. If the valves don't freeze up (kind of a little pun there) then you are probably good to go. Price, overall condition, etc. would also be a factor. If the horn is in great shape and no "valve" issues then it is probably not cheap. It is a Hirsbrunner after all. If, however, the valves are an issue, you could possibly get a sweat heart deal and have the valves repaired for a small fee and end up with a "steal". Then again, you could chuck the whole thing, buy a bass guitar, pretend that you're Geddy Lee, sign up for some Bass Internet Chat Site and really watch the sparks fly.

Best of luck with whatever.

Wilco wrote:I'd love to see some pictures! I have 3 valve compensating HB BBb rotary which is planned to have a new 5 valve valve-section in about two month's.

Send me the original valves...

J.c. Sherman wrote:

Wilco wrote:I'd love to see some pictures! I have 3 valve compensating HB BBb rotary which is planned to have a new 5 valve valve-section in about two month's.

Send me the original valves...

NO! NO! SEND THEM TO ME!!!