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Comparison: BMB J765 vs. B&S PT-605

Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 8:04 pm
by Obeeron
So...Been hearing and reading a lot about BMB tubas...so can someone in the know give me some credible info to help in a comparison. My last horn was a PT-605 in silver. Big horn...it fit me just right size-wise and played well. Looking to make an educated decision!

Thanks in advance for any/all information!

Re: Comparison: BMB J765 vs. B&S PT-605

Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 11:15 am
by BBruce107
As someone who has played a Big Mouth Brass J-764 (the four valve version of the tuba you are looking into) I can say it is one of the easiest piston BBb for the money. I found the intonation is one of the easiest to manage in it's size and price range. The sound is absolutely mammoth sound and very efficient. I would highly recommend this tuba if you are looking for a 6/4 piston tuba in BBb.

Re: Comparison: BMB J765 vs. B&S PT-605

Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 11:32 am
by bort
Obeeron wrote:My last horn was a PT-605 in silver. Big horn...it fit me just right size-wise and played well.
Why look elsewhere! :)

(Like I'm one to talk!)

Re: Comparison: BMB J765 vs. B&S PT-605

Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 12:18 pm
by Dan Tuba
PT-605 vs. BMB J765:

Intonation - easier to lock in on the PT605, but very manageable on the BMB J765

Articulation - easier to attain clear attacks on the PT 605, however still quite good on the BMB J765

Versatility/Sound - the PT 605 is easier to manage in an environment where the player encounters a variety of playing situations, however, the BMB is still quite "nimble", and the BMB wins in most of the "I should use a large contrabass tuba" situations. The BMB J765 can really "fill" the room, however you can "hear" the PT 605.

Really it all boils down to what kind of sound you want to make, and how hard do you want to work if encountering various playing situations.
If you are using the tuba for a large Wind Band, brass ensemble or a large orchestra where the American 6/4 York type sound is expected, I would highly recommend the BMB J765 BBb tuba. If you are using the tuba for a variety of playing situations, to include a medium/large ensemble, I would recommend the PT 605.

These tubas are very "different," really hard to "compare" without knowing what you plan to use the tuba for or what your personal preferences are in regards to (Rotors vs Pistons, American vs German, String bass/subwoofer vs Directional/punchy :D )

Re: Comparison: BMB J765 vs. B&S PT-605

Posted: Sun May 26, 2019 11:00 am
by Dan Tuba
The details on the GR51 or PT-605.
https://www.b-and-s.com/en/instruments/b-tubas/gr51/" target="_blank

The BMB J765 is definitely a 6/4 instrument. The BMB J765 was designed after the Holton 345/York tubas which were rather "short" in overall height and rather "wide" when measured from the outer edge of the outer bow to the outer edge of the bell flare. The BMB J765 and the Holton 345/York tubas also feature an enormous bottom bow, and rather aggressive/large taper through the bell flare. German designed tubas are usually taller in overall height and "skinnier" in overall width. They can give the appearance of "towering" over a 6/4 Holton 345/York style tuba. Both designs have ergonomic and playing advantages/disadvantages, etc. For example, my MW 195P looks much larger(really taller) when compared to my BMB J765 BBb tuba. However, they both create "huuuuuge" sounds, however, they create different types of "huuuuuge" sounds.

I won't reignite the debate on what classifies as a true 6/4, plenty of information found here on tubenet. To me, a 6/4 tuba is determined by the size of the top/bottom bows, and the taper/size between those and the bell flare. I also know that I am playing a true 6/4 tuba when the third partial is kinda flat, and the windows shake when I play a mezzo forte "low" note :tuba:

It's really hard to "compare" the BMB J765 BBb tuba and the PT-605/GR51. They are both great designs, and great tubas. However, they are very different.

Re: Comparison: BMB J765 vs. B&S PT-605

Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2019 8:56 pm
by Obeeron
Thanks to all for the input! Some points I knew, quite a few I didn't! I really liked the B&S I owned but when I bought my son his VMI 4/4 BBb, I figured why have two BBb's in the house and sold my 605. Of course, after it's all said and done, I wish I hadn't. Moving forward, some new options on the horizon!

Again...Thanks to all!