clintow wrote:Arkietuba wrote:Contact Sam Gnagey. His horns are great and they beat the manufactured horns in the same price range. I absolutley love mine. The intonation/tuning is pretty good (I need to get a different mouthpiece to help bring the pitch down since I play sharp on any horn). The tone is dark but not too dark...it's right in the sweet spot.
I second the recommendation. Although they have their limitations, I've found, at that price point, they're really quite a steal. I've been quite happy with mine over the last three years.
CW
Another recommendation for Sam's creations. The horns he builds are typically modified old-style King 1241 BBb horns, trimmed to CC, using large old Eb tuba bells. So what you're getting is essentially a cost effective Hoosier version of a Conn 52J / 54J / 56J, depending on what Sam has in stock. The horns play well and (imo) have a nicer valve tubing layout than the new generation Conn 5xJ horns have. Most of the Sam Gnagey horns I've seen had not been completely restored (i.e. not refinished, relacquered, etc.), so I believe you are essentially buying a used-looking horn, not a brand-spanking-new looking horn. But they were "mostly refurbished", they play well and sound good, and you'll save a few thousand dollars over the 5xJ competetition -- a good choice for a nice 4/4 CC tuba. With the money you save, you can buy a used Cerveny / Amati F tuba and you're set in both categories!
If he has one available with the 20" bell, you'll get a 4/4 CC that sounds a little broader and might be able to pretend to be a 5/4 with the right mouthpiece.
Come to think of it, this route might be a good choice for Bob1062! (hint, hint)
Cheers,
