MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

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MikeMilnarik
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MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by MikeMilnarik »

Does anyone have experience with both of these tubas? Differences?

Thanks!

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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by Sousaswag »

I don't own either but have played both. The 606 is a much fatter tuba all around. Really ergonomically comfortable for me. Great sound, great intonation, all in all I think it is a great all around tuba. The 3450 is considerably smaller in the bows, and doesn't have quite as big a sound as a 606. However, I really enjoyed the times I did get to play one. Big sound for it's size, and I think (in my amateur opinion) it could hold it's own in a wind ensemble. Excellent low range as well! I thought it was an excellent instrument. I would be happy with either instrument as my single tuba.
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by MikeMilnarik »

Thanks, Sousaswag!
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by Bob Kolada »

The 606 I played years ago reminded me a little of the 56J I ended up playing for a year.
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by Cthuba »

Mike,

The 606's are far more inconsistent than the 3450's in my experience, but a good one is hard to beat (Kevin's Horn). You should include the ursus in your search as well. The 606 and it are very similar.
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by MikeMilnarik »

Thanks, Cthuba!
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by bort »

In my 5-minute play test, I thought the Ursus played great but had bad ergonomics. It felt like the valve section was hard to reach (and I'm a normal sized person), and the throw of the 5th valve was really, really long. Maybe it fits Alan well, but it didn't work for me.

I had asked for opinions here about the GR-41 a while ago, and it was a bit of a mixed bag. Nothing horrible to say about it, but intonation was reported as being imperfect. But then again, it's never perfect, is it?

Also the GR-41 is based on a York tuba, so it's going to be that type of a sound. The MW 3450 will still have those piston tuba qualities to it, but I'd say the sound is less York-ish. I remember liking the 3450, but it didn't particularly stick out except for being a new MW tuba, which are always nice and easy to play.
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by MikeMilnarik »

Thanks, Bort and Bloke!

Just curious as to how these two horns compare to each other.

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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by bort »

I just noticed that Horn Guys has the 3450 listed calling it "Baby Thor." I've never heard that before and thought it was interesting.
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by pecktime »

bort wrote:I just noticed that Horn Guys has the 3450 listed calling it "Baby Thor." I've never heard that before and thought it was interesting.
That’s marketing at it’s finest!

I love my 3450, but it’s very different to a Thor. I prefer my 3450 for my purposes (jazz combos, striolling gigs, big bands and wind bands).
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Re: MW 3450 vs PT-606P/GR-41

Post by Three Valves »

Better than Thorette??
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