Questions that need answering!

[USMCTuba]

Greetings TubeNetizens!

I have a few queries I'd like to pose today before slinking back into the shadows. First: Are there any compilations of wind band excerpts for study? I have a few I've collected from various auditions over the years, but I'm looking for something a little more comprehensive.

Second: Does anyone have any mouthpiece suggestions for a career-long PT-88 user? With the exception of an initial learning phase that involved a Helleberg I have only ever used the 88 and just find myself wondering what else is out there.

Third: Digging ever deeper into the horn closet at work, I found a coffin-like case that happened to have a Rudy 5/4 hiding in it! At least think it's 5/4; it's really big but too easy to play to be their epic-sized 6/4. Does anyone know where I might find the serial number on this bad boy?

Fourth(edit): What the best use of the 5th valve on a Miraphone 1291? Is it the same as a CC transposed, or is it for some particular problem notes?

Thanks for any nuggets of knowledge you all might bestow! I'm off to spend my day off sounding like a elementary school Big Band auditioner...

[imperialbari]

As for potential mouthpieces: the blokepieces I & II (as for variances search recent discussions - that would be about the last 5 months).

If RM stamps serial # in the instruments, then the place most often in German rotor tubas is the bridge carrying the axle for the paddles. Mouthpiece receiver and sometimes slide receivers in nickel silver also have had the serial #.

Klaus

[Wyvern]

Just measure the bell diameter to find out which size Rudy it is;

17" = 3/4
18" = 4/4
20" = 5/4
22" = 6/4

[ginnboonmiller]

For many, many years, Rudolf Meinl didn't use serial numbers. Mine didn't have one - it was originally purchased from Custom Music in 1979.

As far as mouthieces, I've been a Helleberg guy for like 15 years. When my Rudi was stolen and I got a new horn, I started playing around with mouthpieces and tried out a dozen or so... and ended up liking the Helleberg the best. I'd say it doesn't matter what the first new mouthpiece you try is -- you notice differences right away (big ones), and you either like the change or you don't.

[oedipoes]

Third: Digging ever deeper into the horn closet at work, I found a coffin-like case that happened to have a Rudy 5/4 hiding in it! At least think it's 5/4; it's really big but too easy to play to be their epic-sized 6/4. Does anyone know where I might find the serial number on this bad boy?

That's too much information for someone who will be saving money in the next XX years to be able to buy one.
Are there really monsters out there that leave Rudy's in the closet?????

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!


Wim

[chhite]

Rudi puts serial numbers on horns only be request. He can look at a horn and tell its age within a year or so, based upon when slight design changes were made. When Rudi overhauls my horns soon, I will have serial numbers placed on them. Btw, you would have to tell him what number to stamp because he has no number sequence or cross-reference.

[sloan]

Rudi puts serial numbers on horns only be request. He can look at a horn and tell its age within a year or so, based upon when slight design changes were made. When Rudi overhauls my horns soon, I will have serial numbers placed on them. Btw, you would have to tell him what number to stamp because he has no number sequence or cross-reference.

well then, it won't be a *serial* number, will it?

[opie]

The Rudi Meinl horn(s) in your supply closet do not have any official serial number on them. There may be a scratched in number on the leadpipe for accountability reasons with CVIC supply. BTW I requested those Getzen horns when we found out the Air Force band was getting rid of them. The Marine Corps field band would never buy CC tubas so that was the only way to get any. In an attempt to DRMO them it was said they should be kept in case any other CC players come along. They are decent horns but are suffering from red rot. I am also the reason why you have a 5 valve 1291. These were bought instead of the 4 valve version so that the player would have more options to play in tune within an ensemble. After a very bad experience trying to play in tune with a bassoon player it was thought the more options the better. On a side note if you don't mind tell Mr. Ebo that Erik says hi.

[USMCTuba]

Hey Opie,

Reading your post was a little surreal until I realized you must've been with the Q-Town Band. I did find the hand-etched number; I was wondering about the serial number for the sake of personal edification. Thanks for the true story on the Getzens, too. There were a couple floating around, although the people most sure of their intel told me the same story as you...give or take. Nothing like a little bit of insider info.

On a side note if you don't mind tell Mr. Ebo that Erik says hi.

I'll do just that!