Meinl Weston 5450RA Tuono in Silver
Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 4:52 am
Now available for sale at the Brass Ark in the Los Angeles area is my 5450 RA Tuono in silver plate. This was a trade show demo and for all intents and purposes looks very much like a new horn. Many TubeNet readers are already familiar with this model and (especially since the Buffet acquisition) its curious lack of availability in the marketplace.
Perhaps more than any other single tuba, the 5/4 Tuono can achieve the same density of sound (some would say "core") as the best of the German Kaiser tubas while also delivering much of the "breadth" of a 6/4 grand orchestral tuba. The default color leans towards the dark side, but it will brighten up considerably with a shallower and/or more bowl-shaped mouthpiece cup. The Tuono and its piston-valved cousin (Thor) are both reputed to have a tremendous response in the notes surrounding the low G, and I can confirm this is absolutely true. This characteristic can also be enhanced or dialed back depending on your choice of mouthpiece - choose something like a PT-88 for a super-massive sound. The rotors are short-throw and very snappy. Beware - the factory springs are a little stiffer than your average Miraphone so a fair amount of finger strength is needed.
To address the question "if it's such a great horn, why are you selling?" I am fortunate to be able to own more than one tuba. With my Alexander 163 I can get a very similar sound and 90-95% of the same volume from a horn that is much smaller and lighter. When I need a heavier sound I have a Gronitz PCK, which is also lighter than the Tuono but the low range is not as easy. Were I only able to keep one tuba it would be the Tuono.
Pictures and more details linked here http://www.brassark.com/sale/" target="_blank
At the time of this post the price is $15,000
Perhaps more than any other single tuba, the 5/4 Tuono can achieve the same density of sound (some would say "core") as the best of the German Kaiser tubas while also delivering much of the "breadth" of a 6/4 grand orchestral tuba. The default color leans towards the dark side, but it will brighten up considerably with a shallower and/or more bowl-shaped mouthpiece cup. The Tuono and its piston-valved cousin (Thor) are both reputed to have a tremendous response in the notes surrounding the low G, and I can confirm this is absolutely true. This characteristic can also be enhanced or dialed back depending on your choice of mouthpiece - choose something like a PT-88 for a super-massive sound. The rotors are short-throw and very snappy. Beware - the factory springs are a little stiffer than your average Miraphone so a fair amount of finger strength is needed.
To address the question "if it's such a great horn, why are you selling?" I am fortunate to be able to own more than one tuba. With my Alexander 163 I can get a very similar sound and 90-95% of the same volume from a horn that is much smaller and lighter. When I need a heavier sound I have a Gronitz PCK, which is also lighter than the Tuono but the low range is not as easy. Were I only able to keep one tuba it would be the Tuono.
Pictures and more details linked here http://www.brassark.com/sale/" target="_blank
At the time of this post the price is $15,000
