Martin CC tuba at Dillon

[DouglasJB]

https://www.dillonmusic.com/used-martin-cc-tuba.html" target="_blank

Had anyone played this horn? Opinions? Just curious.

[bort]

Haven't played it. I think it's been at Dillon for sale used previously, earlier this year?

Totally guessing... Maybe it's got the sound, but not the intonation

[tbonesullivan]

Since it is listed as a "Martin/Dillon Custom CC Tuba" I would wager that Matt was the one who worked on it when it was customized. If it says "Glorious sounding instrument" in the writeup like it does, you can bet that it does. I think Matt play tests ALL the tubas that come in.

[cjk]

I love the square-ish Martin bottom bow.

I'd guess from looking at it that it's based on a king 2341 body with a Martin bell and bottom bow with a ton of labor and love from Matt Walters.

[Matt G]

I bet that tuba is pretty nice.

Biggest problem is probably trying to sell if against new (and shiny) 4/4 Eastman CCs that Dillon's has in stock along with used Chinese 6/4 tubas being in the same price range.

Likely a really solid "what you really need" tuba.

[gmcblane]

I know the owner, he's moving to a physically lighter tuba (getting old sucks). I believe he said it was built by the guy before Matt at Dillon's. It's a very, very, nice sounding/playing horn.

[Frank Ortega]

I played this a few weeks ago.

Great playing tuba. Very good intonation, distinctive Martin tone. I have the same instrument in BBb, but it’s body is all Martin and has King/MAW valves. This one is probably made from a King body and Martin bottom bow and bell. This is a feat, because it would require some serious retapering of the small side if the bottom bow.

All in all, someone’s going to get a great 4/4 CC!

[thejester10276]

I also got to play this a little while ago.

I can validate everything Frank said about it. The thing I liked most about this horn (aside from its superb intonation) was that the bottom felt very consistent with the top. Not only was it effortless to get a great sound, I felt like I didn't have to do anything weird anywhere to get it. And it absolutely has that wonderful Martin color to it

The horn is also surprisingly lightweight

The valves and slides felt like heaven to my hands.

One disclaimer I have to note architecturally is dumping water from the top slides (like I am used to) is very difficult on this horn, due to the top slides' length. Some of the slides I pulled almost went out to the bell, making room for clearance minimal. I'm guessing that dumping water out of the top slides is ultimately not necessary on this horn, so YMMV.

I think the price is very reasonable compared to anything else in the same size bracket. It is an extremely well constructed and playing/sounding instrument.

[jtbailey]

As the current owner/seller, I can say that it breaks my heart to offer this magnificent instrument for sale. It has served me VERY well in all types of ensembles from quintet to full orchestra. Effortless to play in all registers. Great intonation. Beautiful tone.

It was created by the tuba master of Dillon's prior to Matt Walters. Matt and Rob Stewart have been the only people I trusted service it. My understanding is the bugle is 1920's Martin from a top action horn. The valve section is King.

I dropped it off in November. So, no, it's not the one referenced as being there in the Summer.

As stated by George in his post, getting older isn't for the faint of heart, and inevitable. I have gone to a smaller, lighter instrument from Mack Brass and am very happy with it. However, I will dearly miss the Martin!

Someone is going to get a wonderful instrument.

[Paul Scott]

This is a fantastic instrument. Great pitch, tone and a surprisingly powerful low range. Very nice ergonomics. Does not play like a "cut job" and is worthy of the Martin name!