5/4 Tuba Bohm Meinl Piston

[Matt G]

If your looking for sound, the B&M will win out.

The pitch might be a little odd though.

[Matt G]

odd in what aspect?

Seems that B&M horns play very much in tune with the harmonic series. That being the 3rd partial (F below the staff) will probably be sharp and the 5th partial (D in the staff) will be quite flat. The octaves are usually pretty in tune on these horns, but might be slightly shrunken. That is, if you tune Bb in the staff, the Bb on the top might be a bit flat and the low Bb and pedal Bb might be a tad bit sharp. This really isn't much of an issue.

:edit: These horns are sometimes third valve friendly. In other words, your 1-2 combos may be much better in tuna and much more friendly played with third valve alone, especially D below the staff. :/edit:

Also, the reason why bloke would pic the B&M in a heartbeat is that it is a well build horn with a very good valveset. It will also blow much better and the response will be good. The sound should be much better than the jupiter.

Also, the B&M should probably be priced more, unless it is in bad shape, or you are getting a slightly high price on a new Jupiter. A good B&M BBb should fetch $3.5-4.5K depending on condition.

[pedaljay]

I have a Marzan BBb which is essentially the horn you speak of. I love this horn! I sold a large Willson BBb for this horn and some other goodies. The Marzan/Bohm and Meinl is a very flexible horn and have not regret the purchase. I have played only a couple horns that are better for me. However those horns cost three to four times the amount ad beyond for what I got the Marzan for. I agree the horn really isn't a 5/4 but more of a very large 4/4. I would go with the Bohm and Meinl in a second. I was seriously looking at purchasing one of those horns a few months ago so I could have two around. The only advice I have is to wait and try the new Besson prototype. Of course this horn will be more expensive, but if sound is power this may be the horn you want. If the BBb plays like the CC less the intonation issues it will be quite the horn in my opinion. Just my insight...

Jason

[Joe Baker]

Admittedly, all too many of us chase women based on a good coat of paint, but perhaps we should refrain from that tendency when chasing our tubas.

I make it a practice to never own a tuba that's prettier than I am.
_______________________________
Joe Baker who plays one butt-UGLY tuba!

[Lew]

Between those 2 I would go with the B&M, especially if they are the same price, as long as the valves are in good shape. The Jupiter is OK, but the B&M is a better made instrument.

[Rick Denney]

Any of you ever play this horn? My experience with tubas are limited to the older kings and conns. I'm looking to get "back into" play again and am trying to decide between 2 horns. The above and a Jupiter 582. Cost is about the same so that is not a dtermining factor. What do you guys think? One thing that is important to me is a rich, dark tone. I love the sound of power.

The B&M will destroy the Jupiter in the categories you describe as important. The intonation, as others have said, will perhaps require more management. On my B&M-made York Master, the fourth partial (the Bb on the staff) is flat, and the sixth partial (F on the staff) is sharp.

It depends, of course, on the sound in your head as to which sound you will prefer. One semi-professional friend of mine doesn't think my York Master lines up well with the sound in his head, though he can achieve his objectives with my Miraphone 186 and with my Holton. A true B&M has a more flexible sound than my York Master, because the one-piece bell has a little more favorable shape, in my view. The YM bell is a bit more Connish than Yorkish.

As to size, here's a B&M-made York Master side by side with a Jupiter. The B&M looks bigger, and sounds bigger.



Rick "who thinks the B&M piston valves are among the best made by anybody" Denney