What would you consider the Best ORCHESTRAL F Tuba?

USTuba08 · Post by **USTuba08** » Wed May 09, 2007 6:40 pm

bloke wrote:
USTuba08 wrote:From now on, I plan on using a Miraphone 184 CC for an F tuba I'm tired of playing out of tune F tubas
The 184 Mirafone is a GREAT little tuba, but 5th partial intonation (without resorting to alternate fingerings) is NOT a "no brainer" on that instrument.

bloke "assuming you're discussing 'vintage' model 184 tubas"

You're right about that 5th partial, and yes it's vintage.

MaryAnn · Post by **MaryAnn** » Fri May 11, 2007 3:16 pm

Of the several F tubas I played on my two-summers-ago visit to WWBW, the Firebird stood out. It was a 6-valve gold brass one.

The worst one by far was an SLP. I don't know if it was a lemon or if they are all like that, but that particular one was awful and I couldn't imagine who would buy such an out-of-tune tuba.

MA

pulseczar · Post by **pulseczar** » Fri May 11, 2007 5:12 pm

I hear that the Firebird is a really hard horn to blend with an orchestra.

The Big Ben · Post by **The Big Ben** » Fri May 11, 2007 5:22 pm

pulseczar wrote:I hear that the Firebird is a really hard horn to blend with an orchestra.

Not surprising.... Isn't it considered a 'solo' horn?

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Fri May 11, 2007 6:05 pm

I play tested a gold brass B&S PT-15 today. I thought it played incredible. It would be the top of my list if I was looking for an orchestral F tuba!

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Sat May 12, 2007 2:10 am

tubatroll2088 wrote:I'm not very experienced in the way of F horns, but the favorite of mine that comes to mind is a Hirsbrunner that I played at the Florida All-state convention last year, one of Custom Music's display horns. Maybe I'm new to the F horn, but the sound out of that thing made me actually consider the price tag.

I have to agree. I tried a Hirsbrunner F being sold by Dave Fedderly a couple of years ago, and was profoundly impressed by it. I didn't check intonation in detail, but it was a joy to play.

But I would have had to sell all my other tubas to afford it. It was about 50% more expensive than the Willson.

Rick "who doesn't recommend it because of the price and limited availability" Denney

Aaron Tindall · Post by **Aaron Tindall** » Sat May 12, 2007 8:48 am

That Hirsbrunner was my personal horn. I traded it in for my MW 2182. Chris Combest at U.Illinois now owns it and loves it from what I hear.

The sound and intonation on it was great. Alot of days I wish that I hadn't gotten rid of it, but for me the compact, CLEAN sound that I got on the 2182 was worth it. It all depends on what you are after I suppose.

Velvet Brown's personal HB is by far the best F tuba I have played. It is such a special horn that it is hard to describe, and one of a kind as it is a protype of the HB10-and 12 mixed together if I remember. It played very smoothly. I dont think she will be getting rid of it though!

Cheers,

Aaron