The Wizard of Williston and a "mythical" BBb tuba
Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:16 pm
Joe posted about this horn (viewtopic.php?f=2&t=55520&p=473030&hili ... al#p473030) and I have been getting re-acquainted with it since returning from "Bloke-place".
Mindful of my verbose tendency, post is limited to salient points. Played the Wurlitzer/Conn in all five of my ensembles as well as in the house. It's 37" tall, 20" bell, and weighs 18 lbs.
1. It is FUN to play.
2. Distinctive Conn sound, which I like.
3. Definitely can support a full orchestra with 50-60 musicians.
4. Resonates really well in lower register.
5. Upper register (for my range) has pleasant, mellow sound.
6. Should have had new valve guides installed but budget was paramount.
7. Put in some Kanstul springs that are just a bit stiffer that the Conn ones Joe gave me and they're spot on.
8. Sounds great in my brass quintet especially when playing at moderate volume.
9. Got all slides moving nicely after Joe's great work, even that sticky first one.
10. Gave it thorough scrub with some water soluble de-greaser, then with some Simonize car wash (been using that for years on my horns as it rinses so well and attacks grease with a vengeance).
11. The best thing so far is that it so much lighter than the big Kanstul (which will come out for concerts and dress rehearsals until my physical condition can take wrestling with it).
12. Joe consistently under-promises and over-delivers.
13. Anderson's did fabulous job replating pistons based upon Joe's detailed measurements.
Thank you, Joe, for resurrecting it. Masterful job on your part and it is always a blast to see you, shoot the breeze, play horns, etc. Working with you is refreshing and if folks knew how well you "play with others" in person, it might damage your reputation on TubeNet
.
Btw, you married well.
Mindful of my verbose tendency, post is limited to salient points. Played the Wurlitzer/Conn in all five of my ensembles as well as in the house. It's 37" tall, 20" bell, and weighs 18 lbs.
1. It is FUN to play.
2. Distinctive Conn sound, which I like.
3. Definitely can support a full orchestra with 50-60 musicians.
4. Resonates really well in lower register.
5. Upper register (for my range) has pleasant, mellow sound.
6. Should have had new valve guides installed but budget was paramount.
7. Put in some Kanstul springs that are just a bit stiffer that the Conn ones Joe gave me and they're spot on.
8. Sounds great in my brass quintet especially when playing at moderate volume.
9. Got all slides moving nicely after Joe's great work, even that sticky first one.
10. Gave it thorough scrub with some water soluble de-greaser, then with some Simonize car wash (been using that for years on my horns as it rinses so well and attacks grease with a vengeance).
11. The best thing so far is that it so much lighter than the big Kanstul (which will come out for concerts and dress rehearsals until my physical condition can take wrestling with it).
12. Joe consistently under-promises and over-delivers.
13. Anderson's did fabulous job replating pistons based upon Joe's detailed measurements.
Thank you, Joe, for resurrecting it. Masterful job on your part and it is always a blast to see you, shoot the breeze, play horns, etc. Working with you is refreshing and if folks knew how well you "play with others" in person, it might damage your reputation on TubeNet
.Btw, you married well.
