TubeNet

For those who attended MidWest, what were your favorite tubas tried out from the vendors?

John Packer EEb
Wilson 3400 EEb
Miraphone Siegfried BBb
Meinl Weston 3450 CC

Willson 3400 EEb and the smaller version especially.

MW 3450
Miraphone Bell Canto Solo
Miraphone Haugen 5/4

Miraphone Bel Canto F!!!!
Miraphone Siegfried BBb!
Big Mouth Brass 6/4 BBb!!!!
John Packer CC!!
John Packer F! (GREAT low range!)
B&S MRP F!

I definitely enjoyed playing the Willson 3400 and the more compact one (CS3400). Marty Erickson, the person who helped design that particular model actually came over and talked to me while I was playing it; a nice added perk. I would definitely pick one up if I had the chance... and an extra $11,000 or so...

I was working at Midwest this year, and unfortunately did not get much time to play test. I only made it to the Adams, BMB, and Buffet Group booths:

Adams: Both the CC and F tubas were great players! The F in particular was exceptional, gorgeous sound, easy scale, and fun to play. The CC also had a great scale and was easy to play.

BMB: Barely had any time to stop here, and I really only made it to try the 6/4 CC for a friend who is considering buying. I tried the 6/4 CC four years ago, and it seems to have vastly improved from then. I remember liking it okay, but there were definitely some deal breaker issues. The one they had this year was much better, and I think it is a reasonable choice for someone who wants a big CC, but does not have a big budget. I really wish I had gotten to play the 6/4 BBb!

Buffet: I tried everything they had. I am not a fan of the B&S F tubas, and was not excited about what they had this year. None were bad at all, just not my taste. I really wish there had been a 2250. I love those horns! But I guess those probably sell themselves...the rotory PT-6 was a great tuba, and still very much something I would recommend to anyone. Then I played the MRP. Wow! This was the first one I have ever played, and I was very impressed. All the great qualities of the PT-6, with all the drawbacks overcome or tweaked! I cannot get over the response, and how solid the low range was! Plus the high range really sings. Great tuba! But my absolute favorite horn of the show (that I got to try) was the Meinl Weston Ursus. That horn was amazing! I loved the tone quality, and the projection was brilliant. I found it super responsive, and the low range was massive, while also capable of delivering a good bark if needed. I really wish I had money for one!

Mouthpieces: While at the Buffet booth, Mr. Perantoni was gracious enough to run me through several of his new Mr. P line. I wasn't initially all that interested, as I am very familiar with PT mouthpieces, having used several for years. Try them! Mr. Perantoni has tweaked almost all the designs. The 8.8 was as big as my PT-88 that I've used for years, but with a modified rim that improved response and made high register playing much easier, without sacrificing the big, easy low end that the 88 does so well. I definitely recommend checking them out if you haven't yet!

Overall, I left feeling that more great tubas are available than ever, and I am grateful to all the companies that displayed their wares. I wish I had gotten over to Miraphone, Willson, and anyone else I missed. But if this was any preview of the Army conference, the "elephant room" promises to be a blast! (Pun fully intended)

Chris Bettler