"B & S" F-Tuba History

[Robert Tucci]

In regard to a interesting thread as posted last week, a condensed history of the "B & S" F-Tuba family is presented herewith, as published in the ITEA Journal several years ago:

"50 Years of Award Winning Excellence"

Origins:

This unique family of F-tubas goes back to the early Sixties, when Heinz Forker, tubist of the Dresden Staatskapelle and Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, along with other professional players from Leipzig and Berlin, approached Herbert Fischbach and his team of master instrument makers at "B & S" in order to develop a new F‑tuba, for use in symphonic performance.

In order to achieve the desired tonal qualities and excellent response and scale, it was determined that the instrument should be big and efficient. This resulted in the unique design of all "B & S" tubas: a short leadpipe, split‑level fifth or sixth valve, progressive bore valve section and tapered main tuning slide leading to a large body bore and wide bell.

With the introduction of the "Modell Symphonie" in 1964, new standards of sound, intonation, response and acoustical integrity were set. The "B & S" Modell Symphonie, available with five or six valves, gained popularity rapidly. The "Tuba Revolution" of the sixties resulted in more and more musicians looking for a truly fine vehicle for their musical endeavours. "B & S" F-tubas quickly established themselves at the top of the tuba world. These instruments became a flagship for „B & S“.

In 1981, further development of the "Modell Symphonie" began under the direction of Robert Tucci. While the original valve bore at 17 to 21mm was deemed fine, instruments with both 18 to 21mm and 19 to 21mm valve sections were built. The larger bore combinations worked well from the outset. Thereupon new leadpipes were developed to optimize intonation, response and in particular tonal depth and colour.

This new "Perantucci" models PT-10 and PT-12, with five or six rotary valves and a strong and rich sound, literally redefined the modern F-tuba. These became the most popular large rotary valve F-tubas in history, with hundreds in use world wide.

The reorganization by Gerhard Meinl of all "B & S" manufacturing facilities brought refinement into all areas of production. Finest materials and modern technology resulted in an unprecedented high level of consistency, durability and most important of all, musical characteristics. The "B & S" F-tuba family achieved even greater success. This has been copied time and again but never equalled.

In 1996, two new models were added, the "B & S" Perantucci PT-15 with five and the PT-16 with six rotary valves These build on the "B & S" Perantucci philosophy, utilizing even shorter leadpipes and larger bells for greater volume while retaining the scintillating sound for which all "B & S" Perantucci F‑tubas are famous.

This approach went on to compliment the standard bore "B & S" Perantucci models PT-8 and PT-9, with five and six rotary valves. With this development based closely on the original philosophy of the "Modell Symphonie, the "B & S" F-tuba has travelled a full circle; a truly unique design with musical and acoustical integrity that supports all areas of musical endeavour.

To commemorate "40 Years of Award Winning Excellence" a Limited Edition Anniversary Model series of instruments were built in time for the International Tuba Competition in Markneukirchen, May 2004. There was a special ceremony held at the Music Instrument Museum in Markneukirchen at which Herbert Fischbach, the instrument maker most directly responsible for the development of the basic model in the early sixties, as well as musical artists associated with this instrument were present. "Anniverary Model" F-tubas proved to be a rousing success, due not only to the fine craftsmanship common to all "B & S" Perantucci instruments but simply because the sound and resonant have a unique richness and character.

More than fifty years of resounding success prove that indeed, „Legends live Longer.“. A photo of the original "B & S" Modell-Symphonie F-Tuba is attached.

In regard to the comparisons of older and newer instruments, all aspects of sound and response are accessable in current productions tubas. The five valve instruments are very open and free blowing,the six valved ones heavier in sound and if anything, even more even in response over the basic three octave range. The full gold brass tubas over an even richer tonal quality and the JBL an even faster response as prefered by many soloists. Although the instruments look the same as the original one, much refinement has taken place over the years. Current production "B & S" F-tubas are the best ever. Note that my mouthpieces: models RT-40, 64, 65 and 72 were developed with and for "B & S" and other large-bore rotary valve F-tubas. The Canadian Brass Heritage Series MB-64 is recommended or those who require a lighter tone quality and even faster response. The Andreas Martin Hofmeir mouthpiece is a new approach, with a rather deep cup and very large throat bore.

[Ulli]

Thank you, Mr. Tucci, for your excellent and interesting write-up of the B&S Symphonie story.

Regards
Ulli