Allora "PT6P"

The bulk of the musical talk
Post Reply
User avatar
anonymous4
bugler
bugler
Posts: 169
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:24 am

Allora "PT6P"

Post by anonymous4 »

Another poster's question about VMI/B&S prompted me to ask, did anybody play the Allora tuba at Woodwind and Brasswind that is a copy of the PT6P? I saw it at ITEC, but didn't get a chance to try it out. How does it compare to the original? Thanks in advance for any replies.
User avatar
TubaTodd
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 672
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:57 am
Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Post by TubaTodd »

I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy (ie 186 and 191). Does anyone know what the model # is for the PT6P copy? Is there a rotary copy?
Todd Morgan
Besson 995
james
pro musician
pro musician
Posts: 436
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:58 pm
Location: Washington, DC

well

Post by james »

Well, it is a very nice copy of the PT6P. I was initially worried about durability but it's put together by Gerhard Meinl so chances are it's good quality. The pitch was dead center on 99.9% of the notes from pedal CC to G above the staff and the sound was very focused and clear. The only noticeable difference in my opinion was the ammount of sound it put out. It seemed "leaner" but that could be a really good thing. I put it on the tuner and played it for a couple of hours at WWBW before it was made public and can say I was more than impressed in this model considering the price tag. E-mail Roger Lewis for further evaluation/questions.
User avatar
TubaTodd
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 672
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:57 am
Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Post by TubaTodd »

Pictures? I can't seem to find the thing anywhere.
Todd Morgan
Besson 995
Ed Jones
pro musician
pro musician
Posts: 280
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:14 pm
Location: Arlington, TX

Post by Ed Jones »

I find this statement a little odd: "I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy"

Isn't that the point of a COPY?
User avatar
windshieldbug
Once got the "hand" as a cue
Once got the "hand" as a cue
Posts: 11516
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 4:41 pm
Location: 8vb

Post by windshieldbug »

Ed Jones wrote:I find this statement a little odd: "I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy"

Isn't that the point of a COPY?
From what I hear, except for the people that find it necessary to "improve" on the York CC design...
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
User avatar
TubaTodd
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 672
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:57 am
Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Post by TubaTodd »

Ed Jones wrote:I find this statement a little odd: "I've always noticed the BLATANT similarity between the Allora tubas and the originals they are designed to copy"

Isn't that the point of a COPY?
You're right it was odd. Let me clarify. I guess what I was trying to say was that, to someone who is unfamiliar with Allora they may look at the WWBW catalog and say, "Hey...those look like Miraphones." It wasn't until I looked at the model #'s that Allora was using that I realized they were trying to make an EXACT copy.
Todd Morgan
Besson 995
TubaRay
6 valves
6 valves
Posts: 4109
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 4:24 pm
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Contact:

Allora

Post by TubaRay »

DP wrote:um....who makes the Allora tubas?
and...who makes the PT tubas?
...instead of "copy", why not use the tubenet term "stencil"?
In this case, I don't believe "stencil" would be entirely accurate.
Ray Grim
The TubaMeisters
San Antonio, Tx.
User avatar
TonyZ
pro musician
pro musician
Posts: 444
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:51 am
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contact:

Post by TonyZ »

I believe that Perantucci can only be used if the instrument is inspected by Perantoni or Tucci (or surrogates). Other than that, it goes by its B&S number.
Tony Z.
User avatar
Roger Lewis
pro musician
pro musician
Posts: 1161
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:48 am

The Allora 5/4 CC Tuba....

Post by Roger Lewis »

is not a copy of a PT6. It may be similar in appearance in some respect, simply because of the size and shape of the instrument. The valve body is original to this instrument and was developed by/for Roger Lewis of The Woodwind and The Brasswind. Call it what you will - it is not a PT6 copy but an original creation, designed in collaboration with the craftsmen at the VMI factory in Markneukirchen, Germany.

Those of you who have played the prototype need to be aware that it was just that, a prototype. The final versions are due in October and will be completely different from the prototype. It will be available in lacquer and in silver. The prices have not been set yet since we need to see what the import duties and shipping costs will be.

Roger
"The music business is a cruel and shallow trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." Hunter S Thompson
User avatar
TubaTodd
4 valves
4 valves
Posts: 672
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:57 am
Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Post by TubaTodd »

Roger,

If the production model is going to be completely different, then will this horn still be a 5/4 size instrument? What changes have been made? Is it likely that this horn will be lower in price (like the other Alloras) because of cheaper manufacturing (ie made in China or somewhere cheap)? Are you at liberty to say?
Todd Morgan
Besson 995
User avatar
Roger Lewis
pro musician
pro musician
Posts: 1161
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:48 am

The Allora 540

Post by Roger Lewis »

is made by VMI in Germany and it is a true 5/4 instrument. I recently used it for a 'Pops" concert with the orchestra and was very pleased with how well this horn plays and projects. Intonation is extremely good. I was using the prototype since the production models have not arrived as yet. The valve body of this instrument will be completely different from just about any horn of this size. We have some specific slide lengths that have been requested and the valve tubing on this horn is routed in a very efficient and effective manner.

In lacquer the price should be right around the $7K area - possibly 6,999. In silver I would estimate around $7699 - but these prices are my guesses since we haven't seen the "landing costs" yet.

Roger
"The music business is a cruel and shallow trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." Hunter S Thompson
Post Reply