Marzan Soloist BBb

[kegmcnabb]

Howdy TubeNetters,

I am trying to decide what to do with my satin silver Marzan Soloist BBb. This was my first horn and I love it dearly but I cannot seem to get it in tune, which, given Marzans reputation for good intonation, is bothersome to me.

Most noticable is the discrepancy between low Bb (below the staff) and the Bb on the second line of the staff. The distance between the two is decidedly less than an octave. If I tune to the low note, the high note is flat. If I tune to the higher note, the low note is sharp. Futhermore, all the notes below the low Bb are considerably sharp.

I have tried different MP's. When I bought the horn I was used to a Bach 18 and tried that, but the horn (especially the bottom) was way stuffy. I really didn't evaluate the pitch at that time because I was just regaining my meager chops and thought any problems were probably caused by my lack of recent playing. Switching to a Helleberg opened up the bottom considerably and made the horn much less stuffy and so that has been my primary MP (actually now a Kellyberg stainless, but intonation problems remain). I also have used the Marzan MP that came with the horn but it needs a little work and doesn't seem to have any special advantage over the Helleberg. Anyway, my chops are better now ( ) but the intonation issue still exists. Any thoughts?
Horn? MP? Me?

I now use a Cerveny 686 4-MR for large ensemble gigs, but I really like the small size and sturdy construction of the Marzan for pit gigs (a lot of theatre up here) or dixie gigs where I don't take my souzy. The Marzan is capable of "encounters" with solid material in the cramped quarters of a theatre pit without taking on dents. The Cerveny would look like a golfball by now if I used it down there. BUT, as much as I like the horn, the intonation is a problem. I understand that this model is considered somewhat stuffy in the low end to begin with and I can live with that, but I would like better intonation.

I have considered selling/trading for something different. Maybe an older King, Olds, or Reynolds three-banger. They would be compact and sturdy enough to handle pits and drunks and their intonation quirks managable, but that sorta feels like trading down.

Any suggestions for helping my Marzan or for a good smaller "pit" horn would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[iiipopes]

How is the rest of the range above 2nd line Bb? Which open Bb, 2nd line in the staff, or 2nd ledger line below the staff?

If the rest of the mid to upper range is in tune with 2nd line in the staff Bb, then try a mouthpiece with a little larger throat and a more barrel shaped backbore.

If the rest of the mid to upper range is in tune with the Bb 2 ledger lines and a space below the staff, I don't know. I'm not sure anything can be done.

[kegmcnabb]

If the rest of the mid to upper range is in tune with 2nd line in the staff Bb, then try a mouthpiece with a little larger throat and a more barrel shaped backbore.

Thanks for the response. That would seem to be the case. Which MP's fit that description?

Thanks!

[MikeMason]

Does your horn have the main tuning slide facing up?That could certainly be used to solve the problem.

[Dan Schultz]

Steven Shoop owns one of those Marzan 'Solo' (Willson-made) horns. Maybe he'll chime in here. There are a couple of others noted on my Marzan web page who might be of assistance.

http://thevillagetinker.com/Marzan%20Horns.htm

[windshieldbug]

I use a Miraphone Rose Solo (TU27) with my Marzan, but it's a B&M slant-rotor CC.

Sounds like it might be what you're looking for anyway, if you can find one to try it out.

[iiipopes]

Well, a Wick 1L does, but on a rotary it might take a whole lotta air. It has @ 8.42 mm throat, for a reference. A Wick 2L is a little more rounded, but also has the larger throat. Believe it or not, current production Bach 18's have a large throat as well, and the more bowl shaped cup might give some good definition to your "solo" horn.

You can always peruse the PT mouthpiece descriptions. Also, Bruno Tilz makes various mouthpieces with larger throats.

The only problem is that too large a throat, and you'll be needing a third lung to get proper support.

[46K]

___

[kegmcnabb]

Does your horn have the main tuning slide facing up?That could certainly be used to solve the problem.

Sure does. In fact, that is my main method of compensating and it works well enough that the horn has remained my constant companion in my "cramped quarters" gigs. This is a great little horn with a sweet sound. I get a lot of compliments on its sound so people must not notice my "tromboning" a bit with the slide.

Well, a Wick 1L does, but on a rotary it might take a whole lotta air...A Wick 2L is a little more rounded, but also has the larger throat...Bach 18's have a large throat as well, and the more bowl shaped cup might give some good definition to your "solo" horn.

I would support the wick 1(XL)

Sounds as if I should try the Wick. I might try the Bach again although, as mentioned before, when I originally tried it I thought it seemed to make the horn stuffy.

Thanks all for your insight!

[Dave Hayami]

Hello,
Any pictures of your Marzan?
Thanks,
Dave Hayami