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Hello All,

I have sold off a few things and saved my pennies to where I am finally going to make some visits to shop for a new cc. I have received some great thoughts from a lot of you on models to consider and I am hoping to be able to get to try out everything on my short list from Gronitz to the new Miras to some PTs.

For me, rotary valve versus piston is not an issue as long as the horn sounds right for me. That said, I want to look at some B&S Perantucci models in both rotor and piston valves. I have heard wonderful things about the piston valve models but I have not really heard much from owners of their rotor valve counterparts.

Sound being equal, has anyone had any experience with life expectancy and mechanical operation of the rotary models of the PT-6 and PT-20. I do not know if it really is an issue or not but I have not seen this particular brand/issue mentioned and wanted to be as informed as possible as I make some decisions. I certainly do not want to disparage any company or bring up old rotor vs. piston arguments. I simply would like to hear if it really is something I need to add into my equations on this brand that enjoys an excellent reputation for their piston models.

Wishing A Happy & Prosperous New Year to You All!
Paul

Paul,
My few playing experiences on B & S rotary tubas have been good, and I actually prefer the feel and sound of their rotor horns to the piston models.

That being said, I do have repair concerns about these instruments. If they are owned by adults and impeccably maintained, they may never have a service issue. But, the B & S rotor tubas have a tendency to have smaller, more delicate linkage parts. When one of these linkage parts needs to be replaced on a Rudolf Meinl, Hirsbrunner, Alexander or traditional Meinl-Weston tuba, many of the parts are interchangeable between brands, but will not fit the B & S. So, there is one source for B & S parts, if they are available through that company, and that would probably translate into higher repair costs for these tubas.

Of the instruments you mentioned trying out, the Gronitz instruments are one of the most pleasant surprises for me this year. I had the opportunity to take a Gronitz PCM CC to a rehearsal and brass ensemble performance about a month ago, and the horn just sizzled, with great intonation to boot.

Ah, my favorite factory, I can't add anything to the debate so I won't. I will say I love my PT20P and if you are in New York city you can borrow it for a few minutes, hours, or days to check it out. Peace. ASG

Thank you all!

I do appreciate all of you taking the time to answer my post. As silly as it sounds, I feel more confident that I can make my judgement based on how the right horn fits me and what I want to sound like and that is what I was hoping to get from your experiences.

I know we hear these questions asked a lot but I can attest that it does feel more reassuring to ask them when you are about to add an expensive new member to the family.

Happy and SAFE New Year to Everyone!
Paul

Paul S wrote:Sound being equal, has anyone had any experience with life expectancy and mechanical operation of the rotary models of the PT-6 and PT-20.

Tubas are pretty darned sturdy things, especially when used by someone who doesn't throw them around carelessly. I would not be concerned. The only horns I have ever heard of having mechanical issues at all are the St. Petersburg tubas which have solder breaking and nickel plating peeling.

Thank you Sean,

I was pretty sure this was so but thought I would just ask the good group we have on here for their experiences. It was more a question similar to my main occupation in agriculture where there are noted differences in breakdown rates and maintenance costs associated with different transmissions and drivetrain systems even on the same brand and models of well respected heavy tractor manufacturers.

Paul