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Hi, I am looking into buying a horn and I can't decide which of these I want. My purposes are pretty general. I will being alot of orchestral, chamber, and solo stuff, so I need a great all-arounder. Thanks guys!

If I had to choose between those two, I'd pick the Thor by a mile.

However, if you want to purchase a great all around horn, I'd look for something smaller than either of those, ie, a 4/4 CC.

If I were you, I'd look for something like a Conn 52j, Miraphone 186, Meinl-Weston 2155 or 2000, or B&S PT-20.

I don't have too much experience on a 1292. I've played them a few times and thought that they played well. I do own a Thor though, and I can't say enough good things about the horn. The sound is dark and very direct, the response is fantastic (especially in the low range) and the intonation is as close to perfect as I have ever experienced on a tuba before.

If it was my dough, I'd go with the Thor. I'd even take a 1291 over the 1292.

12912/1, and Bb at that. I like big tubas to -sound- like big tubas, also to play in tune.

It's been a few years, but physically I never thought the Thor was very comfortable to hold. It played fine, but I liked my 1291 better, and even more when I swapped out the leadpipe for a 1292 leadpipe!

LJV wrote:

Bob Kolada wrote:12912/1, and Bb at that. I like big tubas to -sound- like big tubas, also to play in tune.

Dude. Buy Doc's 1291 BBb. It's got your name written all over it...
Agreed, 1291 BBb > 1291 CC.

I thought Doc had HIS name (literally) written on it.
Anyway he doesn't really want to sell it and I don't really need it.

If it's just between these 2 horns, I would go with the 1292. For some reason, I believed the 1292's sound and color to be more my taste than the Thor. I had a chance to play a couple of each against each other.

On the other hand, if you don't mind rotary valves, I would go with the Bruckner, which I ended up liking better than either of the aforementioned tubas. IMHO, the Bruckner is the best 4/4+ or 5/4- that I have played to this point. A very fine playing instrument. Had I not found a used PCK, I would have bought a Bruckner.

I own a MW 5450 Thor for the same reasons listed by many of the other posters. It is an excellent 5/4 CC--what comes out of the horn is always a good reflection of what you buzz into it.

The 1292 is also an excellent CC. You can read all the comparisons online, but the biggest difference in these horns is how they feel and sound when you play them. All the opinions of TubeNet are great, but you'll have to play the horns yourself before you can have a real opinion of your own.

I've only really played both in a convention hall, but I did favor the Thor. The horn can definitely play just as big as a 6/4, or as nimble as a 4/4 (What a sound!). BUT...If someone gave me a 1292, I wouldn't complain. It's nice solid horn, with the "Miraphone" sound that's just a little more "spread" (big bell) than a 186/188.

Yet, watch out for valve issues on the Thor. I hear that can be a problem with Meinl Weston horns.

Thanks for all the opinions guys! I am leaning towards the Thor but I will probably play them together to find out about them. Thanks abunch!

T U O N O (or Thor)!!!!