TubeNet

Having read a lot of the discussion about this model recently, I've seen both negative and positive about the CC version, but only positive about the BBb version.

Is the BBb version better than the CC version, or does it just compare more favorably to other BBb tubas than the CC compares to other CC tubas?

TubaAS wrote:Neither, I think they are both overrated, and you can find better tubas in that price range, IMHO.

Oooh, oooh! Andy -- you only made half of a post!

Don't stop there. Please provide a few examples for the edification of all who are reading this thread!

Cheers,

Meinl Weston all the way!

Here is what I think:

People heard about the hype surrounding the 1291 and decided that they MUST HAVE ONE immediately without trying one out or really thinking about wether or not it was the right horn for them.

Everyone's physical needs are a little different, and horns can have certain characteristics that either mask the weaknesses or magnify them to a ridiculous extent, like the free-blowing concept mentioned by doc. I actually noticed this on my 1291 CC. Very free, very easy for ME to play because that is exactly what I was looking for physically, wether it was conscious on my part or not.

"not that great" for you obviously means "excellent and revolutionary" for me.

Everyone has their allegiances, wether it be to BBb or CC or a certain brand, or whatever. All these things come into play when trying out a new horn. All of this mental mumbo jumbo is pretty difficult to distance yourself from, and should not be downplayed when considering a new horn. Of the 1291's I played, the one I bought was the best at WWBW that day, and better than the ones I played months before that. I will however say that all the 1291s I played were extremely close to each other in playing character.

Here is why I like my 1291 CC:

Ridiculously easy to get in tune, and often no adjustment is necessary.

It is an efficient machine. Air=sound, you don't have to work too hard to get a big sound on the 1291.

Extremes of the range don't sound much like extremes. There was a bit of a drop off when using the 5th valve around low f at first, but as I have gotten more used to the setup, that has disappeared.

It is real easy for me to play high.

The sound is second to none (for me)

A lot of the meinl westons and (conns too) I played felt like they had hunks of cheesecloth lodged in some of the slides (stuffy)

Al? Roger? I'd be interested to hear your opinions

Porky wrote:viewtopic.php?p=29183&highlight=#29183

In that thread neither Alan nor Roger commented on the strengths and weaknesses of the BBb version compared to the CC verstion.

Uncle Buck wrote:Is the BBb version better than the CC version, or does it just compare more favorably to other BBb tubas than the CC compares to other CC tubas?

BBb rules.

Tom Holtz
Professional Sousaphone Operator

(Seriously, I tried a 1291 CC and really dug it. I'd love to try a BBb.)

again, FOR ME... I have to say that the 1291's in either BBb or CC are extremely good instruments. I've used my CC for just about everything: solo, bass choir, brass quintet, brass band, wind ensemble and orchestra. I have been using it more than my Yorkbrunner because it is just easier to play. The low register is very responsive and it has a nice, full sound and excellent tuning. I will still use the Yorkbrunner for many things but it is not as "user friendly" around the low G. I see posts that say that there are a lot of these up for sale all of a sudden. I would have to ask ..where? In relation to how many of these horns have been sold in just over a year since they were released, the number that have been put up for sale is no greater (probably less) than any other horn out there.

If I were to own a BBb, it would be the 1291. Again the low register response is great and the sound, for the size of the horn, is huge. Play Prokofief 5 on it and you will see the value.

Some people do not find the low register on either of these horns to be that good. Usually I find this to be due to poor fundamentals on the part of the player. Remember, if you throw the horn at the wall (NOT recommended) you have heard the only sound that the HORN actually makes. The human body is the instrument and when it works well just about any horn will complement what you are doing (I won Tanglewood on a Cerveny 'Piggy"). When the human body is not working well the horn will also amplify this weakness. These horns can and will cover up a multitude of sins on the part of the player and perhaps make you sound better than you really are. But don't blame the horn (any horn) for your faults as a player.

I stand firm in MY belief that these are some of the best horns on the market today.

Flame away guys.