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Hi everyone. I've been seriously considering the Big Mouth Brass F tuba, and was wondering how those who own or have played one like it so far. How's the intonation? Does it play similar to the other piston Fs (Yamaha 822, Wilson, etc.)? Any help would be greatly appreciated, and if you happen to be near Cincinnati and wouldn't mind me playing a few notes, that would be great too! Thanks again.

Hi-
I have one and use it all the time. In fact, this Easter Sunday, on ABC TV the National Easter Mass they show will be from Buffalo (most likely in the 'wee hours' in the morning). We taped it (yeah-National TV scale!) over a month ago (music--quintet, organ, choir, etc.). We had a camera in the balcony so I know you'll be able to hear how the F sounds--pitch on the horn is excellent. I have also owned the small & large Yamaha F's and I like the BMB better.
I know Dick/BMB will be at IU for ITEC next month.
Good luck!
Mark

Appreciate the help, Mark. Thanks!

I am in the Cincinnati area and own a BMB F tuba (silver plated). Since I may be looking to get a smaller rotary F tuba, I would be selling the BMB F tuba with a hard case and gig bag. I can get back to you on this if you'd like. I'm in college in Columbus, but will be back in Cinci for the summer soon.

-Larry

Hi Larry: What are you asking for the BMB F? What are you considering for a smaller F?

I'm not sure on price. Probably not much less than a new one (I think it was $5.2K with tax--it's silver, so more expensive than the lacquered). I've only had it for a year and I haven't put a single dent in it yet (minus the two tiny ones that were there when I bought it new). It has a gig bag and hard case (one came with the horn, the other was free since I didn't use a credit card).

I'm probably looking into a small german F tuba; perhaps rotary instead of piston (though I've heard good things about the Petruschka by Miraphone). My current CC is a 4/4, so I don't really feel like it makes sense to have a huge F tuba. Sort of defeats the purpose of having a big and small tuba. The instruments are the same height from bell to bottom bow.