Brass Quintet tuba

[bort]

I've used my 1291 in a quintet before, and thought it was perfectly capable there...as another use of it as an "only" or "all around" tuba. If you seriously want (and can justify) a separate tuba *only* for quintet, I think the MW 2145 is a good option. Take a look at the new Baltimore Brass modified versions -- they're great tubas. (Funny thing is, didn't Warren Deck design the 2155 for quintet use? Isn't it a little large for a quintet by CC standards?)

Or what about the Holton Harvey Phillips CC tuba? People seem to either love or hate it, but it's another 4/4 piston CC option.

[NDSPTuba]

(Funny thing is, didn't Warren Deck design the 2155 for quintet use? Isn't it a little large for a quintet by CC standards?)

I don't know, at TMEA I found the 2145 to seem quite small for a 4/4 and the 2155 to be more in line with what I've come to know as 4/4+. Here is a pic of the 2145 next to a 2155 next to a 6450.

2145_2155_6450.jpg

I have to second the PT606P, It is the first tuba that came to mind as a quintet only axe. And for that size range I found it the best playing of the bunch.

[bort]

To each his own. I feel like the 2155 is more like a 1291 sized tuba, as a 5/4- or 4/4+. But I think the 2145 is a good, normal-sized 4/4, and it plays big for its size. Who cares about all of this x/4 nonsense anyway.

[NDSPTuba]

To each his own. I feel like the 2155 is more like a 1291 sized tuba, as a 5/4- or 4/4+. But I think the 2145 is a good, normal-sized 4/4, and it plays big for its size. Who cares about all of this x/4 nonsense anyway.

True, It just struck me because I normally play a King 2341( the older detachable bell one ) which is considered by all to be a 4/4 and it dwarfs the 2145. Though after seeing all the different tubas and what is considered 4/4, 5/4, etc... I have to say that my version of the king 2341 runs in the 4/4+ range.

[Nick Pierce]

A B&S PT-3, with piston valves, might work.

[Matt G]

(Funny thing is, didn't Warren Deck design the 2155 for quintet use? Isn't it a little large for a quintet by CC standards?)

Tangent:

All things are relative. If you had to play in a quintet with Phil Smith and Joe Alessi, you'd probably be bringing a bit bigger axe. I am not saying that these guys are simply playing "louder" but their sounds are so developed (on top of the larger equipment they may be using) that it is generally in one's best interest to use a bigger axe. Seeing as how the "Thor" seems to be the next generation of the 2155, I am pretty sure that is what may be the CC of choice in quintet settings in that group.

In regards to the 2145, the reason I mentioned it is because it was mainly designed with quintet use in mind. Mr. Pilafian was involved in the design of this horn during his tenure with the Empire Brass, IIRC. I have heard it used in a quintet setting, and it works well.

[Matt G]

I don't know, at TMEA I found the 2145 to seem quite small for a 4/4 and the 2155 to be more in line with what I've come to know as 4/4+. Here is a pic of the 2145 next to a 2155 next to a 6450.

If you compare a 2145 to a 186 (especially the older 16" bell 186's) you'll see that they share a lot of dimensional similarities. The wraps are completely different, but the diameter of the pip relative to the distance from the bell is very close. Similar in sixe to a King 2341, etc. I'd call a 2145 a "non-sterdoidal" 4/4 CC tuba.

[Manituba]

I did use the 2145 as my primary horn during my undergrad. It is a very good horn. For me, it is perfect below the staff – just like I found the PT-20 to be perfect on the staff.

I am hoping that there is another horn that combines these 2 perfects. I will seriously consider the Gnagey horn.

I also found the 2155 not to my liking for quintet. For me it played very similarly to the YCB 822.

[Sylvano]

I had access to a Mirafone (the years between Miraphone) 186 C 4v for about 15 years and although I didn't use it much in orchestra, it was a pleasure to play in quintet.
I forced myself to play a MW 45SLP in one "repertoire" quintet (it's a good way to practice F in wide range) for about two years and played Eb (381S, 983S, 983 and now 981) in the other "working" quintet but I think a 186 or a 185 or 184 would be something I'd play in quintet again.

They're around and the price for some of these horn on the used market is quite reasonable.

[eupher61]

Piston valves is one OP requirement.

[TubaGoon]

TO the OP - I think that a 1291/1292 or the G50 would fit the bill perfectly for what you're looking to do. I play on a 1291, and it is a VERY flexible horn and has whatever color and character that you give it. At the same time, I LOVE the responsivness of the G50...it is every so slightly more responsive than a 1291, with a nice, full tone. Both horns are good with intonation, and you get a good solid sound in all registers, in particular the 1291. I feel like you have more room sound and dynamics wise with the 1291, but honestly, if I had to pick only one horn for mainly quintet stuff, I would pick the G50 (and I really do love my 1291).

I would probably stay away from the new Conn's judging by your original post. When picking out a new CC tuba, I played a 54/56J and loved their responsiveness, but I just could not get that nice full tuba sound that I wanted - the characteristic sound of the horn that I was looking for just wasn't there. Then I tried a friend's 1291 and it had just as much responsiveness for me, but with that nice rich tuba sound that I was looking for. Hence, I am the proud owner of one.

[Toad Away]

Not sure I could suggest the G50 because of my
eventual problems in the high end.

Just because I don't know:
The Jupiter CC that is used in Boston Brass looks like a very
attractive piston CC.
(Never played one.)

If you ever change your mind about rotary valves,
there is a Mira 185 at Dillon's -- great tubas!
Another good horn under 5 grand would be the
Cerveny CCB 483, if you can get one on order.

[Alex C]

I think it's interesting that your requirements were for a CC piston valve 4/4 tuba and you got suggestions for F, Eb and BBb tubas and a bunch of rotary valve tubas.

The selection is limited for your requirments. You also wanted it to play similarly to equipment you've already got. This horn probably exists but it's going to be hard to find.

You should look at the Conn 3J's because a few of them blow with a very open. Regardless of that, it is the quintessential (pun absolutely intended!) chamber tuba. I have played two silver plated 3J's which blew freely and made a lovely sound. None of the lacquered 3J's I have played were as free blowing but you never know.

If you agree that the Miraphone 1291/2 is too big, that also elimantes the Nirschl 4/4, PT 606P, Hirsbrunner HB-2-thingys and similar horns. I think the MW 2145 might slip in under that size but it's iffy.

The CB-50 will fit size-wise. The Jupiter 584 fits but few have experience with this horn. The Conn 52J and the PT-3P might fit in as well as Sam Gnagy's tubas. That's about the limits of your search.

[Phil Dawson]

Another vote vote for the 3J. I love mine and they can be had for a reasonable price. It is a great solo horn and you can get away with one in a band or orchestra although it is not ideal for that. I use a miraphone 1290 for that kind of work.
Good luck, Phil

[Duane]

Tuba Goon
"TO the OP - I think that a 1291/1292..."

X2

[Scott Roeder]

I have played a couple of the new Jupiter CC tubas and really liked the ones I tried. It may be a good option. Another option might be a Kalison Daryl Smith model but you might have to dig through a few of them until you find one to your liking.

[eupher61]

ah....second to the Kalison DS. Good flexibility in color, suitable for smallish orchestra stuff, nimble enough for any quintet work too, IMO.

edit to add:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=32455

[tubashaman2]

.

[The Jackson]

You should take a YCB-621 and have a larger bell put on it. That should do it.

One of these should do the trick.

[Matt G]

I'm glad to see a few votes for the 2/3J. I really like these horns. I agree that the 2J is a better horn, and if you can find one with the nickle silver bell, you're in for an even better experience, IMO.

Playing a 2/3J is very easy. They speak quickly, have a pleasant sound that records extremely well, and are nimble.