whither the MW HoJo?

[Alex F]

About a year ago, there was a lot of fanfare about the MW 2011 "Howard Johnson" tubas. There were to be three versions: top action, front-action piston; and front-action rotary.

So far as I know, only a couple of prototype TAs and FAs were made and there have been no production models. They were supposed to have been available last July. Shipment was then delayed to October, then to the first of this year, and now - ??? No one seems to have a clue as to when, if ever, we will actually see these in the stores.

I now notice that Dillon has removed all reference to the HoJo tuba in its "New Instruments" listings. Actually, there are no references to any MW tubas or euphoniums. I've spoken to a couple of folks "in the know" but they have no information to give out.

So, esteemed members of the TIA (TubeNet Intelligence Agency), what gives?

[Roger Lewis]

one of the toip action horns here in the Tubadome show stock and have several more of the top action models and several of the front action piston models on order. I'm told to exp[ect delivery of these horns soon. They are in production. The only one they are still tweaking is the rotary version and that is due out either late Spring or ealrly Summer based on my last contact with the factory.

The top action horn has a great sound and a very good scale. Meinl Weston made the parts for the Mahillion back when it was in production, so they had everything necessary to make these instruments. The new ones are better than the one I owned 'way back when....

Roger