So after much doing my sums and soul searching I decided to order a new PT-20, but with added carrying hooks and lyre block, so it might possibly replace the PT-3 for marching use. I got Mark Carter at Mr.Tuba to place special order for me back in June. I was expecting hooks to just be added to a standard PT-20, so was surprised, but pleased to hear that as it was non-standard, B&S had decided to specially hand make it (although I am only paying for modified standard production model).
I then thought, if it is being handmade, maybe B&S would customise it further to specifically suit my requirements. As I use a Tubassist, one thing I like is for leadpipes to all be at the same height for easy switching of tubas in a concert. The PT-20 pipe I previously found lower than my Neptune. I therefore asked for it to be raised one inch higher and made detachable for easy cleaning (a feature I like on the Neptune).
I never know why they fit main water keys on the side of the tubing slide so tipping is needed to empty(???) - I much prefer on the bottom to enable emptying in the playing position, so moving the water key became another requested customisation.
I have a liking for gold brass, and although I could not afford to order the PT-20 all gold brass (50% more expensive), I thought a gold brass bell would make it look special too, so was added purely as an indulgence.
As the tuba is being handmade specifically for me, I also got the opportunity to visit the factory to try and approve before final finishing. After four months waiting, that time has just arrived and I went over to Markneukirchen last week.
I was surprised on arrival at how large and modern is the B&S factory – much bigger than Melton/Meinl-Weston – 190 workers, against under 30 at M-W. I was shown in a store room and my new baby was brought out - it is a really beautiful job!!!
When I tried, it plays as well as it looks with lovely full tone across four octaves. After some slide pulling, intonation was excellent as I had found with my previous PT-20. I could not make a side by side playing comparison with the standard model, but I detect it slightly more resonate and with richer tone which I associate with gold brass.
I was given a full factory tour, although unfortunately could not take any photos due to company policy to protect their production methods (!!!). It was very impressive with a mixture of skilled handwork and quite impressive automation, such as the robot engraving tool. As well as B&S tubas, they also now make Besson here and do a lot of work for Meinl-Weston, producing components and doing all the silver plating and lacquering. The lacquer room is protected by four doors to enter to avoid any dust getting inside.
While in Markneukirchen I also visited the excellent music museum and Schmidt mouthpieces (getting one for my F tuba).
I can’t wait to now see my new PT-20 all finished and lacquered!
I guess the quantity of 4 per year is based on orders? It does seem very few - projecting from that, I wonder if there is less than 100 Neptune in the world?
