TubeNet

Were they possibly referring to the MRP?

http://www.b-and-s.com/handmade-instrum ... -C-en.html

As best as I can gather it's a PT6 with the Fafner bottom bow and bell. Someone please correct me if I'm spreading misinformation.

Is the picture you posted an MRP next to the Neptune?

I've had a Neptune next to my PT6 recently and other than the progression through the bore there are no interchangeable parts. The Neptune is bigger at every point along the bugle.

The MRP appears to at minimum share the same valve section and 90 degree leadpipe entry with the PT6. Wouldn't surprise me if the tuning slide(interchangeable among ALL B&S PT style tubas even the Fs) and an inner bow or two were also the same between the PT6 and MRP.

Initial reports here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53130&start=12

Is it noteworthy that the Custom Tubas site doesn't list the MRP model but WWBW does list the PT6? Actually there isn't much vendor presence for the MRP at all.

Matt at Dillon's said they have an MRP in stock at the moment, but I'm not sure if it's listed on their website yet.

I played the MRP CC tuba in a Buffet Group exhibition room last year.

I also remember asking the representative if it is a replacement for the Neptune, and he said it was replaced from the PT-7.
If I remember correctly, he also added that its valveset is equivalent to the PT-6 and the bottom bow and bell is that of a Fafner (having owned a Neptune previously, and been around a few PT-6's, I can say that in size and playabilty it was closer to the PT-6, which is, IMO, a great thing).
In one of the interviews online, Mr. Perantoni said that they wanted to create a tuba with the sound that is heading towards a BBb with the playabilty of a CC, I remember the low register rocked (However, was not easy as a Touno/Thor/GR55) and in general it was the best rotary CC I have played.

bloke wrote:Most are in agreement that "PT-7" and "Neptune" are nearly synonymous.

I understand a reconfig with that bell. B&S (now Buffet) is probably under the impression that the "Fafner" bell is very much in-the-vogue right now. They're also probably trying to figure out ways to make enough desirable models of tubas out of as few parts as possible.

+1
Mark

bloke wrote:Most are in agreement that "PT-7" and "Neptune" are nearly synonymous.

The main difference is the Neptune had 520mm bell and the PT-7 slightly smaller 500mm bell, although I don't think they ever made a rotary valve PT-7.

I think the Neptune may share same bell as 2165

I guess I might as well chime in on this topic since I own one of these "MRP" CC tubas.

I bought the horn brand new in October of 2013 and have had quite some time to spend on the horn. If you're wanting to compare the differences between this horn and the Neptune, I can tell you that after playing both it and a rotary Neptune back-to-back:

- The MRP has better intonation (to my ear) than a Neptune. i.e., the partials seem to be where they need to be.
- The overall sound quality of the MRP reminds me of a big German BBb tuba (which is what Mr. Perantoni wanted to achieve with this horn)
- The low register is very easy to play. It has some resistance, but not as much as a Neptune. (Almost plays like a York tuba in the low register)
- It is easier to maneuver around the horn in general then compared to a Neptune. (Again, which is what Mr. Perantoni wanted to achieve with this horn)

Yes, the horn is essentially a Meinl Weston Fafner bell with a York-style bottom bow, a PT-6 valve section, and a slightly shorter lead pipe.

If you have any other questions regarding this horn, PM me. I'd rather not start a "this horn is better than this horn" conversation. Both horns have their pros and cons.

B&S MRP-C is a great playing tuba. If you have ever wanted a big rotor CC tuba with that classic German / Alexander sound but didn't want to play slide tuba, this is the one. This tuba is scary in-tune and fun to play.
It's bigger in the bows than a PT-6 but more comfortable to hold and play than any PT-7 or Neptune / Culbertson, I have ever played. The valve section does indeed look just like that from the rotor B&S 6.

No secret that for me the Neptune is the 6/4 CC to which all others are compared. I have never tried a MRP-C, but it will have to be incredibly good to be better than a Neptune, with which I have never had intonation problems.

If it sounds like a Fafner, then I will still prefer the Neptune!

Man, they'll just slap a Fafner bell on anything these days. That must be the one MW (sorry, Buffet) part not in short supply.

PS, cool tuba, but I don't really like the name. Every time I see "MRP" I think either "Manufacturers Retail Price" or "merp" (which is about the same meaning as "meh").

Since ITEC has came and gone, I'd like to open this horn back up for discussion, because I couldn't make ITEC, and would love to hear feedback about the horn. I'm very interested in this for my next CC purchase, and I'd like to know how this horn compares to the other CC heavy hitters.

Thanks in advance,
-Zac

I have never tried a MRP-C, but it will have to be incredibly good to be better than a Neptune, with which I have never had intonation problems.

Plus 0.995; mine plays consistently (if a tad high) with a slightly sharp 6th partial. And with a playing stand the ergonomics are just fine. No other 6/4 I have ever tried would get me to part with my Neptune.