Tiger Tuba Report

[Art Hovey]

I bought a black rotary-valve tiger last week. Greyhound brought it to me from Tennessee in just two days, with no damage.
I unpacked it yesterday and had only a few minutes to try it. I was really surprised and pleased with its big, fat sound, especially in the low register. The "false pedal" CCC and BBB are downright amazing, and the normal range is fine up to D above the staff. Beyond that it is less secure. But I did notice that it was a little flat with the tuning slide all the way in.

Today I spent some more time with it. After hacking off half an inch from the main slide I was able to play it in tune. I wish the mouthpiece receiver was a little lower and angled slightly downhill (like most Miraphones) rather than horizontal, but I am sure that other people have different opinions about that. I also wish the first valve tubing was a little shorter overall but with a longer slide. If I decide to shorten it I will lose a brace that is inconveniently located. The first valve slide is not easy to reach, but the 4th is.

I was really starting to get comfortable with the horn, chunking along 16th-note runs in a Gigue from a Bach cello suite, when a tiny screw popped out. The first valve linkage slipped off the rotor and snapped around sending the screw skittering away, never to be seen again. I did find a replacement, and discovered that two of the other three screws were loose. They are the same metric thread that is used for European valve guides, but a small American Allen wrench fits them well. (I think it was a 5/64".)

Looking forward to taking the Tiger to a band rehearsal next week!

[Ace]

Nice review. Thanks. Your expression "---------sending the screw skittering away, never to be seen again" is classic. It's an experience all of us have been through.

Ace

[Ulli]

Are the Tigers still in production, or are the remainig instruments in sale?
Or comes Rheinsound with a improved modell?
Here in Europe the Tigers are not any longer available.