BBb Fafner, 195/5P

[rperrym]

I could use some input from anyone who has a Meinlweston 195/5P BBb Fafner. This is the piston version. I wondered what mouthpiece you have had the best results with this on horn and if you use a tuba stand or a chair to support this horn. I have one on trial at home and I am going through a decision period on whether to keep it or not. So far, love the sound and the valves.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick Perryman

[iiipopes]

Something more bowl shaped might help with both tone and intonation, as a Bach 18, Miraphone C4, PT-86, etc.

[rperrym]

Thanks for the input. If I keep the horn, I will try one of yours. The horn may be too tall for me unless I want to move the lead pipe which is a problem.
Otherwise, I really like it.
Rick

[Bob Kolada]

These horns, and the rotary model, have a lot of fans but I still prefer what you've already got.

[rperrym]

Thanks, Bob. I may regret letting one of them go. I do like the graduated bore of the piston Fafner, but it doesn't fit me as well as the 1291.
Rick

[termite]

Hi Rick.
Could you please post some detailed impressions of the Fafner versus the 1291. I have a 1291 but have no hope of trying a Fafner.

Regards

Gerard (In the tuba desert of Australia)

[rperrym]

Per Termite's request here are some initial impressions on the piston Fafner that I have on trial.
The leadpipe is higher so I am using a BBC tuba rest, which I like. The 1291 sits on my lap, but that puts the Fafner too high for me.
The BBb 1291 has a bore size of .835 though the horn, the pistons are longer and it is harder to reach the 4th valve for me as my hands are small.
I like the piston location of the Fafner better and the stroke is shorter, or seems to be.
For whatever reason I can play in the higher range easier which surprised me. The horn produces more volume of sound than my 1291 in my opinion.
The sound seems darker, but I am just now beginning to experiment with different mouthpieces. I have been using a Jim Self mouthpiece for the 1291 and the King 2341. I am planning to try a PT 50, a Laskey 30G, and a Alan Baer original CC. I could use any suggestions on mouthpieces. I am also planning to try one of Bloke's.
I can sustain lower passages longer with the Fafner. This also surprised me as the horn volume is greater even though the bore starts out at .748 and goes to .807 after the fifth valve.
I have not had the horn very long so this is a short list of impressions.

Rick

[joh_tuba]

I've not had the opportunity to compare a Fafner with a PT6 in the same room but does anyone else feel that the Fafner is basically a BBb PT6?

[termite]

Per Termite's request here are some initial impressions on the piston Fafner that I have on trial.
For whatever reason I can play in the higher range easier which surprised me. The horn produces more volume of sound than my 1291 in my opinion.
The sound seems darker, I can sustain lower passages longer with the Fafner. This also surprised me as the horn volume is greater,

Very interesting - thanks. I'd be interested in any other thoughts you have after spending some more time with the Fafner, especially large room ensemble situations.
I have trouble sustaining the lower register on my 1291 but it does speak very well down there.

Thanks Bloke for the visual comparison.

Regards

Gerard

[rperrym]

SSCN0310.JPG

Here are pictures of the 195/5P, my 1291 and my King 2341S. Hope this helps.
Rick