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I think I have narrowed down my search for an F tuba to the Firebird or the PT-10. Anybody have any thoughts on the pros/cons of these horns?

Go with the PT10, better sound and better intonation.

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If you have a chance to get a hold of one of the older GDR "perantucci model" examples, they are a bit better than the newer models, at least in my opinion, but I'm not an expert as much as I have played a few of both varieties. I remember that the older handmade models just seemed to sing a little better in the high register than the newer examples that I have had a chance to play. I did think the newer models were a bit easier to center in the low register.

The Firebird that belongs to THE HAT TUBA was owned by the person from whom I bought my PCK. It is one of the best F tubas I've ever had the chance to play. A fine, fine example. I do like the 5 valve Firebirds better than the 6 for some reason. I guess it's the slightly quicker response.

I think both are at worst fine instruments that are a hell of a lot easier to play than some of the more antiquated F tuba models. I think of the 10/15/16's as 5/4 F's, while the Firebird is a 4/4 to me.

Give them all a try if you get the chance. Good luck finding one that works for you.

I owned a gold brass Firebird for about 6 months, I could not wait to get rid of it as the sound just could not cut it for me. The intonation was not that great but at the same time there was nothing you could not work out once getting used to it.

In the past I have owned a few PT 10s and a silver PT15, currently I own an old PT 8. The PT8 is the best F tuba I have every played with the exception of the low register. The upper register is hands down the best and the intonation is very good. There is a slight difference is the sound as 8 seems to be more vibrant than the 10 or 15. I think that the bore on the new PT models is jst a little to large, although it does help the low register, it does makes the upper reg a little more unfocused.

Best is to try as many as you can and get what fits your needs the most.

If it in your budget, look at the new piston models that are out as well, they have the best low register and the Petruschka is great.

Good Luck

Tom

I have tried both horns and preferred the playability of the Firebird but the sound of the PT 10. I would have gotten the chance to try out one of the mentioned older Perantucci models but it has recently been sold. I have recently found out about a horn that is a B&S JBL classic prototype with a 4+2 valve set up for sale near me. Does anyone have experience with these horns?

The JBL is absolutely fantastic; I got one last December. I've not played an F tuba that offers such a nice sound (except for an Alexander). Intonation is a breeze on mine, and with a sixth valve you should have lots of tuning options with different valve combinations. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the six-valve model myself.

Dillon Music had a very sweet resonant PT-10 at the Army Band Workshop last week. It was a special instrument. The Firebird is a quality instrument but I would choose that PT-10 over a Firebird.