meinl weston model 30

tubabuddha · Post by **tubabuddha** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:21 am

has anyone played on these.....i know meinl westons are good and i was wondering if anyone knows how they play and such cause i am almost certain that ill be buying one soon.... its used by the way

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:55 am

This is the 4-valve version of the model 32, isn't it?

Some really like the horn a lot, but you may want to hold out for a 5-valve model 32; if you decide to sell, it'll be somewhat easier, even if you never use the 5th valve yourself (but you will). It's just the way that the CC tuba market is (5-valve=good, 4-valve=not so good).

tubabuddha · Post by **tubabuddha** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 6:29 pm

its the 4 valve version.....and despite the fact its 4 valve it still is in a good price range........thanks

bort · Post by **bort** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 7:07 pm

I played a VMI copy of this for about 2 years. Nice big sound and good intonation (used the 1st valve for some things, but that's about it). It served me well. I think these are very good horns that get overlooked because they're rotary horns. Didn't Warren Deck get his first job playing on an MW-32?

For a used one, you can get a pretty good price. I don't think I'd spend the ~$7,000 for a new MW-30/32, but I don't think you'll do badly with this.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 7:35 pm

The 30/32 looks rather like a CC version of the 25 BBb - is that so?

bort · Post by **bort** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:10 pm

I've only ever been face-to-face with a MW25 a few times, but I seem to remember that being a little taller. I realize this doesn't answer your question.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:31 pm

the 30/32 is substantially smaller than the 25.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:02 am

MikeMason wrote:the 30/32 is substantially smaller than the 25.

So it is more towards 3/4 in size?

I just made the connection because the MW website shows them having the same bell diameter and bore.

Jonathan "who has never seen a 30/32 in the metal"

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:17 pm

I play a MW model 32 and am very pleased with it, both its tone and intonation. I only need to manipulate the first valve slide when playing; I had the first valve vented and the slide lapped for easy movement. The valve action is extremely smooth, short and comfortable.

It's definitely in the 4/4 size class. I have used it for band and for quintet playing. I've been told that the models 32/30 and the 25 are the same except for key (two feet difference in open bugle length). By the way, the model 25 is also available in 4-valve and 5-valve versions.

Cheers,
Allen

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 4:26 pm

Bob1062 wrote:
By the way, the model 25 is also available in 4-valve and 5-valve versions.
I sit next to a really good player in brass band who has a 4valve 25. It always skittered my head how he's able to use "comp fingerings"-
14 Eb
124 D
234 Db
Never seen him play a low C and he says he has to fake low B. Once or twice he's even been sorta flat on low Db!

The corresponding notes on my model 32 would be sharp. Indeed, my standard fingering for E (corresponding to D on a BBb instrument) is 234.

The model 32 has excellent false tones (provided you practice them). The false tones speak much more quickly than the "proper" tones. Sometimes, this can help for some of those low low fast passages that some band composers seem to think tubas can play easily. The tone quality of the false tones is inferior, but who can tell when a lot of other instruments are playing too.

Cheers,
Allen