Meinl-Weston Thor...

theanalogkid · Post by **theanalogkid** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:51 am

I got the chance to play on one of these a few weeks ago. It was just a couple of notes really, as the guy that owned it had to get back to a rehearsal. I thought it sounded good, but it's hard to get a really good idea from just a few notes. Has anyone here played on one of these, and what are you opinions?

Thanks guys!

tubasound · Post by **tubasound** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:32 am

I don't know the Meinl/Weston (aka Melton) CC Tubas, but I play the 45 S-LZ F Tuba and I love it! Great sound in the high registers as well as in the low regions, great intonation and a very fluid way of playing. No unnecessary blockades, a good flow (sorry for my amateur english, don't know how to better describe it...

)

Actually, I really wonder why the Melton Tubas haven't more often found their way to you guys in the US, obviously. I mean, I don't really like the Fafner Bb Tuba because in my opinion it "goes off" to easy when you try to play loud, but the latest version of the S LZ series of the F Tuba is superb and a perfect fit for me...

Pure Sound · Post by **Pure Sound** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:11 am

I really liked the fact that it Had a big VERY directed sound, It seems like it would be a great audition horn. The most trouble I've had with the thing was I just couldn't hold it comfortably.

For MY style of playing, I still think the 1291 kicks its can but that's just my
$0.02.

tuba kitchen · Post by **tuba kitchen** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:36 am

I just tried a Melton Thor at the Frankfurt Music Fair and loved it. I liked it even better than the Alan Baer model.

the Thor has a light and easy response with a big and centered sound - a great orchestra horn!

gregsundt · Post by **gregsundt** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:48 am

I suggest you search for "Thor" in this forum. You will find lots of good input from the top players and posters. FWIW, I played one at the 2006 Midwest Conference. It is easily one of the best orchestral tubas I have played.

josh wagner · Post by **josh wagner** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:22 am

I really enjoy the Thor it has a really nice sound and it can punch when needed and have a softer side also when called for. I use it in a medium sized ensemble and in quartets and solo playing I like it but that is just my opinion... I like it, only problem is my first slide but that is being taken care of...

46K · Post by **46K** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:46 am

Hi,
I had the chance to play the Thor for about 15 minutes at the messe on the first day when there weren't to many visitors.

My impression was that it was an absolutely amazing horn, with a very nice sound. (also according to my brother listening to me play about 15 different CC tubas that day) Easy playing, well balanced and consistent both in tone and dynamics troughout the register.
Very comparable to the miraphone cc12925, but with a somewhat bigger sound,and slightly easier pedals, and with a bit more resistance in the higher range than the Miraphone.
The miraphone 12915 (which I prefered over the 12925) was a lot more comfortable to hold for me. But that is like with shoes in my opinion: they have to fit the inividual.

The only CC I liked better was the handmade Baer.
Better ergonomics (for me), easier to play, even bigger sound, the best dynamic control on any tuba I have ever played. From ppp to FFF it keeps its tone without too much effort. For me it's the ideal tuba: it has everything I could possibly wish for. If only it would cost somewhat less....

I wonder how the handmade Baer compares to the production Baer. Unfortunately it wasn't there to compare. Has anybody here had the chance to compare both side by side?

Mark