[rotary] F with the best low C?

[Steve Inman]

There have been several new entries into the F tuba market since I last asked this question, many years ago. Since then, I've given up on rotary F tubas in favor of an Eb (YEB-381). But I personally prefer the sound of the rotary F bass tuba -- and 4/4-ish in size rather than 6/4-ish. (Although this particular Eb is quite nice....)

So, with today's models, what's the rotary F tuba with the most open, easy to center low C? Is it equal to the low Bb on a YEB-321? How about for ANY F model available, not just rotary F's?

Fire away,

[dtemp]

The low Cs on all of the Miraphone Firebirds I've played were pretty dang solid.

[quinterbourne]

I've heard that the Yamaha YFB-822 (pistons) has a killer low C.

[MikeMason]

The 45slp i tried had NO low c.yfb 822 had a wonderful low c,but Bb below still sucked(just moved the problem down a step).my new(old) B&S is pretty darned workable,and with a super sound...

[Gorilla Tuba]

I used to think my low CC sucked on my MW 45S (not SLZ or SLP or SLQ), but I got used to it... sometimes you learn to deal with one problem in order to have the sound you want on the rest of the notes. I did learn hopw to play it pretty well, and now I don't even notice that it takes more air on those few notes.

I used to have the MW 182 - the itty bitty F tuba. Suprisingly, the low C was much better, but the upper register was more work. Go figure.

[rascaljim]

Miraphone 181

Jim Langenberg

[Will]

The low C on my 822 F is great. The horn overall plays like a small CC most of the time. Every 181 I've played (about 10 of them) had a really good low C. It's probably the best rotory F in that respect.

I agree about the low C on the MW 45whatever. I chose a 822 because of that, wanting a more all-purpose horn. I've vowed to never sell my 822 but I wonder what would happen if I gave an EEb a fair shot? All my friends are getting them!

wd

[LoyalTubist]

Yep. I'd go for either the Yamaha 821/822 or a Miraphone 181

[ThomasP]

I haven't played many 181's, but I have played one. I've played a PT-10, PT-15, Meinl Weston 45S and a 46SLZ. The best low CC on any rotary valve F has been the one on the Miraphone 281 "Firebird". I was completely blown away by it. I really don't think that there should be any thought beyond the Firebird if you're looking at a rotary F tuba.

just my opinion.

[Steve Marcus]

I really don't think that there should be any thought beyond the Firebird if you're looking at a rotary F tuba.

In a blindfolded test-play of a gold brass 181, a gold brass 281, and a yellow brass 281, the sound of the 181 won out every time to my ears and my wife's, at least for the usage that I have in mind for the horn.

Why haven't I purchased a 181? It isn't because of the intonation quirks--those were expected (besides, for those who are willing to wait and pay the $$ for a new horn, Miraphone will be putting the 281 valves on the 181). It was cited with a sound pressure meter that the volume production on the 181 was uneven throughout the range, which would present a real challenge in balancing with the rest of the ensemble.

Michael wrote:

When you can try the new M&M F with 6 Valves, Strong in tune in all range and the right price

Where are these horns built, and by whom? Who sells them in the US?

[LoyalTubist]

http://www.wwbw.com/F-Tubas-d5938.music

[windshieldbug]

... the one that works for YOU!

(heck, I learned to make my 45S play, so I'm very happy with it. Obviously, there's a very YOMV factor here... )