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This is a good buy with both bells but it would seem ridiculous for quintet, wouldn't it? I am reaching but would love to have the low end this horn must have. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT" target="_blank

Quintet? Probably not.

While these big Conn's look like they will have an "easy" low register, they are often no more open and responsive (IMHO) in the lower register than many other 3/4 or 4/4 BBb tubas. They sound very full in that register, but it is not an immediately easy register to play in on these horns.

Also, depending on the abilities and intonation requirements of your quintet, this tuba might also present other challenges. Not that they play horribly out of tune, but that there are pitches that should probably have a bit of slide manipulation involved. The set up of this horn makes this adjustment very difficult on the fly.

These horns are great horns, and best in sections. I'd probably not even use one in a band setting if I were the only player, given a choice. The response is a bit uneven register to register, and the front action versions (good luck finding one) were a bit better, IIRC.

Conn 5J and Olds 0-99 for pistons or a Mirafone 186 would be the best BBb for use in quintet with other possibilities, again IMHO.

I play a king 2341 now and miss the resonant lows of a bigger bore, but you are probably right about your advice of a different horn. I just like the price and played one (with fond remembrance) in High school many moon ago. Good buy for another situation, though.

vintage7512 wrote:I play a king 2341 now and miss the resonant lows of a bigger bore.....

Your experience with the King 124X/234X tubas is certainly different than mine. I think my King handles as well or better in the basement than any 2XJ I've ever had my hands on.

I agree with previous posters inasmuch as there are much better horns out there for small ensemble work.