HoJo Tuba vs "other" options

[Davidus1]

Hi,

Do any of you have experience playing the MW2011 horns vs playing other smaller tubas such as a Miraphone 182 or Weril or yamaha? Any comparisons that you can share? I am a formerly experienced player coming back into playing after 10 years off and looking for the right horn within budget. My last horn was a VMI 3302 and Cerveny 693 and I loved them both. I'll be playing in a community band, perhaps some quintet and church playing with smaller groups so an "all around" horn is what I'm looking at. Any experiences that you can share about these horns would be appreciated. Dave

[brianggilbert]

Welcome back!

I'm replying because I have the exact same experience to share (10 yr hiatus from playing, jumping back in).

I bought a new(er) Jupiter 482 as a 3/4 Bb horn and LOVED it. You need to be careful and try before you buy, as there are some questionable ones out there (especially the older ones), but their brand is really making strides in Q/C.

I ended up trading up into my Besson due to a Brass Band gig - that horn handles the quintet and church stuff well enough for me. That being said as soon as I squirrel enough $$ away I might be in the same market search you're in. I wouldn't hesitate to get another one for a second.

A few months ago WW&BW had a mad rush on some VMIs for a steal of a price. Sounds like some of the guys on here are having great luck with them.

[Davidus1]

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I'm glad to hear that you liked the Jupiter. I had seen them and was curious about the 582. I may try to make some arrangements to play one. I understand the need to test them and how important that is as you mention.

The VMI that I had was a beautiful horn. I really liked it. I am amazed at how much prices have gone up but hey, its been 10 years so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Take care. Dave

[iiipopes]

A friend of mine whose primary instrument is bass bone gets excellent results out of an MW11 and a Wick 3 mouthpiece, as the overall package is not that much larger in either bore or mouthpiece than his Holton bass bone.

It's been said before, and I'll say it again, as will others, for the starting point of shopping for an all-round instrument:

186

Not because I have one, and not because anybody else has one. But because, as the years go on, the 186 package just cannot be beat for the combination of flexibility and price.

A lot of horns can do one particular application better. None can do it all at the same time as well with the fewest compromises, plus give you unshakable reliability and intonation (the only alternate fingering I need is 1+2 on mid line D, as is usual. Others have to push 1 on second space C.) I was actually looking for something else when I was shopping for an all-rounder myself, including Jupiter 582, King 2341, B&S 2103 and its variants and stencils, Weltklangs and their stencils, etc. I actually tried not to buy a 186, but mine "found me."

Speaking of "found me," yes, all the usual conventional wisdom applies about playing as many as you can, take someone with you, and see which tuba "finds" you more than you finding the tuba.

And if you don't mind a larger bell diameter, the King 2341 is another standard.

Anything smaller, like the HoJo, and you may find you're having to push with the larger ensembles more than you want to, but with the 186 it is responsive enough to lighten up to blend with the quintet, especially if you use a standard deeper mouthpiece for the larger ensembles, and if you need to, lighten up to something like a C4 for the quintet to get a bit brighter, but not louder, tone.

[Davidus1]

Thanks for the reply. As for the Mirafone 186. I'm very familiar with it. I've owned 2 and have performed for over 20 years. I have about 15 or those 20 years on the 186. I stopped playing in 1998 with a new baby on the way, etc. and now starting up again.

I would prefer a piston instrument but need to find a good fit. The input is valued and appreciated. Certainly will want to play test any instrument prior to purchase. There are quality issues with every manufacturer and I have played on some poor examples of expensive instruments in the past.

I hear the valve plating has been improved on the Jupiter tubas. This was a concern but I have read some very positive comments on it as well. Thanks again for all the input. Dave

[iiipopes]

For Piston 4/4 tubas, the B&S 3301 is a good horn, and the 1292 has the smaller leadpipe and bell garland to get more "focus" on the tone than the 1291. If you wanted to go to a CC, then the Conn 5XJ might work for you. A used Kalison might also fit the bill, if you can find one that isn't "stuffy."

The Rudy 4345 has been popular, as has also at times a PT-4P.

They're like the little girls with the little curls, in that when they're good, they're very good and when they're bad, they're horrid, but the short-lived Besson 995 might also work.

And if you don't mind used horns or modified horns that play great, contact Matt @ Dillons or Sam Gnagny, as they usually have several project horns at any given time that get great raves.

[ken k]

have not played the HoJo but another horn to consider is the King 2341. old or new style. The valve bore is about the same as the HoJo with a larger final bow and bell. these horns are very easy to play and have good intonation characteristics. a great all around BBb. used ones can be found for a decent price especially the older detachable bell versions.

ken k

[ken k]

just saw this on the for sale forum

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28371" target="_blank" target="_blank


k

[Davidus1]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[J.c. Sherman]

Once again, I will make my teeny plug for the Boosey/Besson Eb's for all-around instruments. Too small compared to a 186? I challenge you to a duel (w/ tubas, of course).

J.c.S.

[Jesse Brook]

BTW, the Besson BE995 CC is starting up production again. I would plug for the E-flats, too, but it doesn't have to be a Besson. Almost every tuba manufacturer makes a 3 top-1 side E(E)-flat, and they are pretty much all-purpose horns (with a few slide-pulling notes).

[JALLEN]

I'm not sure how much I can add to your situation, but I had an experience yesterday that may be helpful. I play a Conn 20J, and really enjoy it, except it is a handful. I had this one completely refurbished last year and it plays very well. I am now experiencing shoulder problems, that either are caused or aggravated, by having to keep my right arm positioned to keep my hand on the upright valves.

To help track it down, I borrowed another fellows tuba, a smaller front valve BBb, not sure the make. Anyway, yesterday I played both of them side by side. Great Scott! I was astonished by how much differently they played, not just the obvious valve arrangement, size, weight, etc., but tone, ease of moving around the range, playing the same music on each horn one after the other. I would not have imagined such a great difference in how these instruments played. This highlighted for me the absolute necessity of trying various models to make sure what is best for you. Just because one fellow plays and likes a particular horn doesn't mean it is right for you. Like Yogi Berra said (in a different context) "Their similarities are different!"