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Hi-
Just seeing what 5/4 CC B&S tuba the masses would pick to buy for themselves (whether in lacquer or silver) if it came down to two choices--a rotary B&S PT-6 (also model #3098) or a piston B&S PT-6P (also model #3198). No other options, like the new MRP CC, a Thor, etc.....just the two mentioned above. Just curious....
Mark

bump...

I'm tired of polishing silver. Even though I've got it down to a science, it still takes maybe 25 mins. but it has to be done twice a year.

It's lacquer horns for me from now on.

This is just my take on it but silver is metal and laquer is more or less paint. Metal resonates and paint...? Most of my horns are silver and I find the bi annual polishings to be a good way to find any new, however subtle, little dents etc. FWIW. Ed

Curmudgeon wrote:What's the goal of this somewhat blind question? More info may help the masses choose...

Hi-
Just curiosity as both are very popular and have been around a quite a while and seeing in 2014/2015 if there is now one which folks prefer.....
Mark

I think Joe is right on about piston tubas being a good "crutch"... Every time I try a large piston tuba, I am kind of surprised how super easy it is to play. No surprise the 6P is so popular.

bump...

LOVE rotaries!!!

I've played both versions of the horn and for my body and my playing characteristics, I'd pick the rotor horn.

Granted, when I tried both at a conference one year, I was not impressed with either and ended up REALLY liking the PT-606P.

The second PT-6 I tried belonged to a retired professional who handed it over to me to try when I stated I didn't think much of them. He said that my impression must have been sullied by instruments that weren't in optimal playing condition or just weren't good picks from the litter. He was right. After trying his horn, I could absolutely see how people love those horns. The rotors were as smooth as anything I've ever played, the color of the horn was unique, intonation was really easy, and the sound was gorgeous.

Given the choice, silver rotor PT-6.

Which B&S 5/4 CC Tuba--whether in lacquer or silver--would you buy?

The one that sounds the best using a mouthpiece I am comfortable with.

I own and use regularly a silver rotor PT6. I would be hard pressed to find another tuba that I find a more pleasing balance of sound, intonation, and response.

That said:
1) I will never ever again actively pick a silver over lacquer horn again. Silver is a pain.
2) My horn was chosen from the litter when I was too young and dumb to know the difference. It was not a particularly good example and I spent YEARS fighting it.
3) My horn is now quite likely not much like any PT6 that has ever left the factory. The rotor bodies modified, leadpipe rerounded and enlarged, and came with a more 'American' receiver than the newest ones, and linkage lever system re-engineered(it came with the short lived mid-90s ball and socket linkage) to satisfy my tastes. As a result, my PT6 demands a bit more physical energy up front but rewards with a voice much closer to a 6/4 York and a bit more 'direct' response in the extreme registers.
4) Picking new I really truly don't know that I wouldn't pick a piston version IF it had the intonation and voice that I want. Frankly, the piston horns are just soo much more forgiving of a 'lazy' approach that it's hard not to be a little seduced by that.

Second Last bump...

Lacquer pros: easier to maintain shiny
Lacquer cons: paint wears off over time
Silver pros: looks nicer?
Silver cons: tarnishes over time, fingers leave smudges on finish

PT-6 rotor pros: beautiful sound up close, easier to play legato
PT-6 rotor cons: harder to achieve clarity, not as much projection in back of hall

PT-6 piston pros: easier to achieve clarity, large projection in back of hall
PT-6 piston cons: sound is harsher up close, pistons require high maintenance

Final bump...