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Is a horn stenciled Melton Spezial intended for Europe only? What shank mouthpiece would you expect to fit? Thanks in advance. (My 'new' horn was adjusted this week to a good fit American taper)

bloke wrote:Melton = European market
Meinl-Weston = American market
Spezial = (often) gold brass

The gold brass is only one reason for Spezial.
My understanding is that any difference from catalogue standard gives the instrument the epithet Spezial.
It could be a trigger or an extra water valve.
I have a Melton 200 which is equipped with both and it's called Spezial.
/Lars

To my knowledge, "Melton Spezial" designates horns that were actually produced by Melton in Geretsried, Germany.
"Melton" might as well be produced elsewhere by licensed manufacturers, using original parts and/or original drawings.
At least that´s what I was told.

Hans

Melton Spezial was also used for nickel plated tubas that were sold in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Nickel was very common for the instruments that were manufactured in Belgium or the Netherlands (Mahillon, De Prins, Schenkelaars...), so that was the also the standard for imported German instruments.
My Rudy 4/4 BBb is Nickel plated, so was probably specifically ordered for these countries.

Meinl Weston's website shows a 182 with a left hand fifth, and this one is a right hand. Otherwise I think it's a standard model. I traced it through previous owners on this forum and there was a comment about the receiver. I asked Dana Hofer if it had been a standard Euro shank and he said no. I wouldn't know myself but he used a standard taper tool on his lathe and it fits great now. I am surprised these horns are not more popular. Thanks to TheHatTuba for a wonderful transaction.

Another explanation of "spezial" is found here. This is (apparently) what the good folks at Melton / Meinl-Weston had to say about it when asked last October:

viewtopic.php?t=62911&p=522791#p525431

I had read that too. I am going to guess this horn was tweaked up to change from Euro to American in the receiver, but not to the satisfaction of another owner or me. Dana thought it was ok but he made it much better.