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I've had a 2155 for about 2 years now and really like it. Due to the rather close wrap on the back of the horns, they sometimes play a bit stuffy. I was playing a monette 98, but had problems with quicker articulations(but I liked the sound). Then I tried some of the laskeys, which gave me the reverse problem-sound comes quickly but it isn't as big as the monette. I think the right mouthpiece with this horn must be something in between-I've settle on a PS02-I believe it is a PT88 copy: Thin walls but big cup/funnel.
I've found the intonation to be quite good all over the horn with slide #4 always pulled about 1 inch past the sock (these slides are enormously long) and using 235 instead of 24, this tends to be quite high, even with the slide pulled.
The only build issue I've experienced with the 2155 is the valve guides/channels. Matt Walters told me some time ago that a certain batch of the valves (They're all the same for 45 and 55-not sure about 65). The valves guides may shear of because of a factory problem with the channels-I don't remember the specifics, but the problem is easily fixed by "something that Matt did that I don't remember".


Good Luck

jon

I'd say use the Conn Helleberg for a while and learn CC tuba, how to get around on your 2155, and then (we're talking months from now) play around with mouthpieces. Sorry, I know it's not that much fun playing your plain old Conn Helleberg compared to buying a fancy new mouthpiece, but I think the best thing you can do initially is use what you've already got and play it.

After you're pretty comfortable with the tuba, try a bunch to see how you like them and what they do for your 2155.

I find myself using Laskey's 30G and 30H with my MW 2000 most of time, but have also found the Floyd Cooley Helleberg to be an excellent match.

If you have a couple of bucks in your wallet, or can find a good deal on a used one, the Parke Ofenloch mouthpiece works great on these horns.

Tom wrote:I'd say use the Conn Helleberg for a while and learn CC tuba, how to get around on your 2155, and then (we're talking months from now) play around with mouthpieces. Sorry, I know it's not that much fun playing your plain old Conn Helleberg compared to buying a fancy new mouthpiece, but I think the best thing you can do initially is use what you've already got and play it.

This is sound advice. I will offer that my Helleberg did not give me the tone I wanted on the 2155 as my concept developed. I switched to a Mike Finn 1 with good tonal results (though articulation suffered a bit, IMO), and more recently to a GW Williwaw that pretty much kicks a$$ all over the horn.

tuba4sissies wrote:If you're going to get a big tuba, why not go for the 2165?

The 2155 & 2000 and the 2165 & 2265 are not quite in the same league...

The 2155 & 2000 are 5/4 or large 4/4 CC tubas that are able to sound huge in large ensembles, yet they are very nible and can get around and be played lightly in quintet or other chamber settings. They get a very centered, clear, dark sound that's very foucused (in my opinion).

The 2165 and 2265 are huge 6/4 CC tubas designed for use in the largest of the large orchestras. They make a different kind of sound and play a different way because they were designed for different situations. I don't find them to play as easily or as lightly, nor do I find them to be as focused.

Bigger is not always better and you shouldn't always do something just because you can...

FWIW - I have had great success with a G&W Williwaw with my 2000. I am trying a Baer right now, but haven't played it enough to make a educated decision. Some of the PT models (notably the PT-30) have also given me a sound I like.

Just my experience...