question on a meinl weston 32

The bulk of the musical talk
Post Reply
User avatar
tubabuddha
bugler
bugler
Posts: 92
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 1:32 am

question on a meinl weston 32

Post by tubabuddha »

so...All you tubanetters out there....has anyone played one or knows if it will be a good starter horn for college.....cause its in my price range......
User avatar
iiipopes
Utility Infielder
Utility Infielder
Posts: 8580
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:10 am

Post by iiipopes »

If you like the way it plays and there are not glaring intonation problems, then, yes.
Jupiter JTU1110
"Real" Conn 36K
Mark E. Chachich
3 valves
3 valves
Posts: 481
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:07 pm
Location: Maryland

Post by Mark E. Chachich »

First:
Talk to your teacher about tubas and what your plans are.

My opinions about the MW 32:
Good tubas, sturdy, predictable response. Some people have played these tubas (successfully) in professional orchestras and bands. I have used one as my back-up tuba for about 20 years, I like it. Go easy (especially in the low range) and the tuba plays well, force air and the MW 32 backs up.

Baltimore Brass sells Meinl Weston (and many other types). Also, check on the used tubas (Baltimore Brass has many). As I have said before, Dave Fedderly is a good person (that knows a lot about tubas) and an honest businessman. His staff is also excellent.

good luck,
Mark
Mark E. Chachich, Ph.D.
Principal Tuba, Bel Air Community Band
Life Member, Musicians' Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, A.F.M., Local 40-543
Life Member, ITEA
User avatar
tubabuddha
bugler
bugler
Posts: 92
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 1:32 am

Post by tubabuddha »

ya i sent an email alredy to baltimore brass about there mw32.....thats where i think im going to buy it from for 3,995
User avatar
Uncle Buck
5 valves
5 valves
Posts: 1243
Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2004 3:45 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Contact:

Good possibility

Post by Uncle Buck »

If I were in your situation and price range, I'd seriously consider that particular used instrument. As has been expressed on this forum many times, if you don't damage it, it should hold its resale value pretty well.

Assuming it isn't a dog, of course. Are you going to be able to play-test it?

There is no need to call it a "starter" instrument, either. Again, assuming it is a typical good example (and not a dog), that should be plenty of CC tuba for you throughout college and beyond.
Last edited by Uncle Buck on Wed Apr 25, 2007 2:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
tubabuddha
bugler
bugler
Posts: 92
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 1:32 am

Post by tubabuddha »

no not going to be able to get over there to play test it due to me living in washington
Allen
3 valves
3 valves
Posts: 404
Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:29 am
Location: Boston MA area

Post by Allen »

Here's another endorsement for the MW 32. I have had one for a few years and love it. I use it for band and for quintet, and it seems appropriate for both.

What Mark said about not forcing air through it is quite true. I mostly use a fairly large mouthpiece (a Mike Finn MF3), and that helps.

The pitch is rather good. I do pull the first valve slide for the F just below the staff, and give it a push for all notes that use the first valve above that. [I had the first valve vented and the slide lapped.] One thing to watch out for: The MW 32 normally comes with a main tuning slide that is just right for tuning to A=443 or higher. For tuning to a more righteous A=440, you will need what MW calls the long main tuning slide. [The used instrument may already have the long main tuning slide, but you should ask.] Dillon's, when they sell new MW 32 tubas, normally supply them with the longer slide, but not all USA dealers do so.

The MW 32 has the fastest and most comfortable valves of any tuba I've tried. The speed is only limited by your fingers.

I have had a number of favorable comments on my tone. Although I'd love to take 100% credit for that, I do think that this fine tuba is a major factor.

Cheers,
Allen
Post Reply