Opinions on MW 45slp

KenS · Post by **KenS** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:30 am

Now that's a fine dilemna.... a boat or a new tuba...???

I think I'll just pocket the change for the killer Eb or F and put it in the sailboat fund.

tubachris · Post by **tubachris** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 12:45 pm

I own a MW 45slp silver. I believe that it does make a difference whether it is silver or lacquer. The lacquer ones I tried didn't seem to have the same rounded tone as the silver (at Dillon's)
I think its a great instrument, yes some tuning problems for which I've substituted alternate fingerings or employed the second valve tuning slide.

I've heard reports of people being upset with the sound of the low register especially the C below staff. I agree that particular note on my horn is a bit stuffy but with attention the stuffiness I was able to even out the sound quality.

The horn has a beautiful sound for which I'd trade any of the above problems. I'd describe it as rich, dark, and round.

check out as many Fs as you can and keep in mind that each 45SLp is different.
my 2 cents.

J.Harris · Post by **J.Harris** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:07 pm

I've played the MW 45SLP and several other F's and even though I liked the overall sound, I found that the throw of the piston valves were too long for my short little fingers. After playing some extended technical passages I found that my hand and fingers became quite fatigued, even to the point of cramping. In comparison the rotary valved horns, notably the Miraphone 181-6V, were more comfortable with less throw and less force required. The valves on the 181 are smooooooth and I actually prefer the traditional german sound of the rotary horns. My two cents. Good hunting for that perfect horn. P.S. The miraphones are considerably less expensive as well.