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Hey guys and gals, I’ve got another goodie coming. This truly unique tuba is a Meinl Weston 6/4 CC handmade prototype. As the story goes, when Meinl Weston decided to build a 6/4 CC tuba they originally decided to copy Don Little’s Factory Holton 6/4 CC tuba. By all accounts Don’s horn is a truly incredible instrument so they thought this would be an ideal starting point for their new design. After measuring the tuba they made 1 possibly 2 prototypes before they started production. My horn is the first prototype. Well, around about that time Warren Deck began his association with Meinl Weston and through his collaboration with them came up with what we all know as the 2165. By the way, this has all been verified by Gerhard Meinl this last summer at the Denver ITEC. Now, as you will notice in the picture links below, this prototype tuba I have is noticeably different from the 2165.

The first major difference is in the wrap of the inner branches of the horn. Unlike the 2165 which is open wrapped throughout the entire horn this horn has a tighter wrap of the inner branches that is almost exactly like the 6/4 York style tubas or, Holton Factory 6/4 CC to be more precise. I find this to be a very desirable thing from an ergonomic point of view because it allows me to rest my arm on the inner branch while moving the 1st valve slide and holding the tuba. Perhaps because it is wrapped this way it also balances more like a York tuba and is more comfortable to hold and play than the 2165s I have played.

The second major difference is the rate of taper in the tubes immediately after the 4th valve. On the 2165 the 5th valve is placed right after the 4th piston and is a rather large bore. Then, the tubing tapers very quickly through the main tuning slide before going into the inner branches of the horn. On the prototype I have, the main tuning slide begins right after the 4th valve and then SLOWLY tapers through the tuning slide before going into the inner branches. The bore size of the tubing through this entire area is very similar to the 2 Nirschl York tubas I have and also like the Holton 6/4. Interestingly, I noticed that Meinl Weston has incorporated this design feature into the new Baer model 6/4 tuba as well. I personally believe that this helps focus the sound of the tuba and aids in response as well as allowing a much larger rotor to be placed later on in the tuba. The additional benefit of which is very open fingering combinations using 5th valve in the low register.

Now, at this point I should point out that this tuba does not have a 5th valve and also has the older style small diameter .750â€

Chris graciously loaned me this instrument for a week this past spring. Having played a few great 6/4 tubas, (Matt Good's 2165 & 2265/2, as well as Chris' Nirchl and the new YamaYorks) I can honestly attest that this horn ranks right up there with the best of them.

This is a handmade instrument, and plays as such (like the much more expensive York copies produced by Nirschl, Hirsbrunner, and Yamaha). Because of the dimensions descibed by Chris above, I found this horn MUCH easier to control than any other 2165 I've ever played.

Anyone serious about aquiring a great 6/4 at (relatively) cheap price should contact Chris (and who can turn down an offer of free beer).

Ben,
thanks for the kind words and bump. Also, thanks for the pics of last week. All the best.
Chris Olka.........

Not just a bump...

I showed this horn (I think...maybe I actually had the 2nd proto, unless this one was lacquered later, the one I had was bare brass) at the 1989 TUSABTEC. The MW guy inside Getzen at the time was/is a friend, and he was going to Germany to work on the design for what became the Deck model.

A pretty amazing tuba, as memory serves. It attracted a lot of attention, since it was really the only new alternative to the Yorkbrunner at the time. The sound was very York-like, but as Chris said it balances a lot better than the production model MW 6/4.

I, also, remember no pitch problems of any major kind, from anyone who played it. Great horn!

bump and price drop. $7,500. Happy New Year.............
Chris Olka
cheers623@aol.com

Bump and price drop. Now asking $6500 and will include a fifth rotor assembly. WIll also consider trade for Yamaha YCB-661 and cash or YFB-621 and cash.

Interested parties call or email.
Chris Olka
cheers623@aol.com
206-851-8822

Realize I get nothing out of this. I have spent a bit of time on this horn in the past and more recently and can say without a doubt that someone is going to get an incredible deal for this price. This thing is a player! Great repsonse, low register, evenness and a huge sound which is still more nimble than any 2165 I've played. This is much more "York" like than the regular ones and not an air hog. A fantastic 6/4 sized instrument.

The horn is sold pending funds. Thanks for the incredible response I have gotten on this horn and I just want to say, where were you guys when I was asking $9,000!!!!!!!! Just kidding and seriously, thanks for the kind words about the tuba and the interest in the horn.

All the best to you tubenetters................
Chris Olka

My buddy's buying it, so I'll let y'all know how great it is. He avoids the 'net like the plague.

hehe... I just don't want to turn to the dark side... That's why you need to take my gig soon.... The Army isn't big enough for more people like you! see ya back at the factory...