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strudelstuba wrote:What is better?
Meinl Weston 2165 or a VMI Neptune tuba?

What is better:

BBb or CC?
Silver or Lacquer or Raw brass?
Pistons or Rotors?

When you can answer these things, you shall have your answer. Although I tend to think THIS is best:

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/grocery ... actice.jpg

Ralph

When I played a piston Neptune a few years ago, I found the high G in the staff to be unmanageably Sharp. Otherwise, I would have bought it.
My 2 cents.
Frank Ortega

the elephant wrote:The 2165 is the BAT that most complain about not having much clarity when played below forte. It is hard to change the sound very much. It has little color in the tone. It is simply very BIG and DARK and hard to over blow.

One well-known player we both know suggested that the York was aimed at making the most of what the player could provide, while the 2165 was aimed at making the most of what Warren Deck could provide. That probably reinforces your description.

Some say it is a copy of a Holton. No 2165 I've played is like my Holton, at least. Mine is colorful and efficient, and maintains good clarity for a big tuba even at low dynamics.

I haven't played a 2265, but I have played a 6450. Be still my beating heart! That was a tuba that really made the most of the player, even when the player has not much to offer.

Rick "whose Bb Holton competes well with most C BATs but not the 6450" Denney

Bob1062 wrote:However, to be completely honest, I liked the 1291 sound more and it seemed to have a bigger sound.

Bob, you are used to playing small tubas, so you most likely do not know how to blow a BAT. They are very different beasts!
(FWIW Big tubas like the Neptune sound best coaxed, rather than pushed)

I have only briefly tried a 2165 and did not like it at all. I have expressed my love of the Neptune more than enough on this forum, so will say no more now

Rick Denney wrote:Rick "whose Bb Holton competes well with most C BATs but not the 6450" Denney

Thats quite an endorsement, considering how we all know how you feel about your Holton. I can't wait to try it out at TMEA this year, assuming Roger brings one!