Bohm & Meinl 5520C

[JohnMCooper]

Any input on the horn listed in the subject? I've got one being delivered to my house tomorrow to try out for a while. The fellow hasn't played it in a while, just been sitting in his closet for several years.

[Rick Denney]

Any input on the horn listed in the subject? I've got one being delivered to my house tomorrow to try out for a while. The fellow hasn't played it in a while, just been sitting in his closet for several years.

They are one of the best BBb tubas ever made, in my humble opinion, and able to compete against the best 4/4-5/4 CC front-action piston tubas on many fronts.

That doesn't mean they are perfect. You'll have to work on intonation a little harder than on your Miraphone, probably.

Rick "whose section-mate has one" Denney

[JohnMCooper]

They are one of the best BBb tubas ever made, in my humble opinion, and able to compete against the best 4/4-5/4 CC front-action piston tubas on many fronts.

That doesn't mean they are perfect. You'll have to work on intonation a little harder than on your Miraphone, probably.

Rick "whose section-mate has one" Denney

I have the horn now. It's a Bohm & Meinl, Geretsried, W. Germany, 5520C, CC, 4 piston front action. Haven't had much of a chance to blow on it yet. The owner says it's about 20 years old. It has a detachable leadpipe. Compared to my 184 it's a beast. I guess it's time to start learning my CC fingerings.
It has a broken brace and broken solder joint on one of ferrels on the first valve branch (probably from being lifted out of the case by the first valve tubing). So I am going to assume there is an air leak on the first valve. Might have to get that fixed before I can fully evaluate the horn. Other than the broken solder joints, the rest of the horn is in great shape especially the bottom bow. Should be fun try out though!

[windshieldbug]

"All bets are off if your discussing B&M-made CC tubas"

My slant rotor Marzan CC has what I consider to be a great sound, and workable intonation. Yes, the 5th is flat, and the 6th is sharp, but nothing I couldn't live with and work around.

I had the broken brace thing, too, but I just had a bigger one put on...

I hope you like this one as much as I liked mine!