OFF THE MARKET: WTT/WTS 1291 for 188 or PT6

[tubalex]

Off the market. See the explanation at the end.





Hi Tubenet,

I have a 1291 that plays great, but I'd prefer a rotary CC tuba. It's had some repairs done so up close it has blemishes but sure looks purty to the audience, and it sounds GREAT.

PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR PICTURES

I'd ask $7000 for this tuba with a brand new Miraphone gig bag, but I'm hoping for a straight-up trade for a similar-condition 188 or PT6.

tubalex at yahoo dot com

[Billy M.]

What happened to that really nice 291 you used to have?

[bort]

Curious about that too... Since the 188 and PT6 are very different from each other, and the 291 is so close to the 1291.

In the end though, all are fine tubas and it's all personal choice. Just interesting to know what you qualified people who are actually really good tuba players think.

[tubalex]

Long stories. Short versions:

Sold the Bruckner to a rockstar undergrad at ASU two years ago, mainly to handle finances from some big changes in my personal life. Always really liked that horn. The low register is amazing but that's never been an insurmountable challenge for me on any horn, so I don't feel the need to be on a horn where that's a pronounced advantage.

I played a PT6 when I was developing my orchestral career in my 20s. I know these horns extremely well, and I am not interested in having a transition period with the new c tuba.

I love 188s. My personal sound concept is a mix of German and LA/Tommy Johnson, and that's easy to do on a 188. Plus I personally like their ergonomics more and more the older I get.

[Billy M.]

Not to play the jackass in this, but will that affect your Miraphone Artist status if you start using a PT-6?

[tubalex]

99% of my performing now is solo and quintet, for which I use my beloved Firebird almost entirely.

[tubalex]

Off the market. I've gotten to spend the last two days with an excellent 188. It turns out the valve setup on the 188 actually worsens the affects of an injury I'm fighting, rather than relieving it, and changing the springs and going to a lighter valve oil on the 1291 seems to make things much better (but not perfect). Too bad, it's a GREAT 188!

I strongly encourage all of you to stay 25 forever. Getting old sucks.