Yamaha CC621 (3/4 size) vs Cerveny Piggy 4v

[Eflatdoubler]

Any thoughts out there on a comparison between the Cerveny Piggy CC tuba (4 valve) and a Yamaha 621 CC tuba? I know the Yamaha is a 3/4 size vs. the 4/4 size of the Cerveny but I was curious as to the tonal differences or playability and also intonation between the two. I realize there are always exceptions but I would love to hear from anyone who has owned these two tubas or tested them out. Thanks!!

[Roger Lewis]

I have owned them both. I still have the Cerveny. Better color nicer sound in general, good intonation. The Yamaha tended to go flat above the C above the staff. The Cerveny has a much better high register and a good, strong low register. The Yamaha was not as versatile. The sound of the Yamaha, FOR ME, was annoying. The ergonomics on the Yamaha were uncomfortable while the cerveny was more comfortable to play. When you lean on the Yamaha it will go a bit blatty, whereas the Cerveny is a horn you can push - probably due to the larger bore size. The Yamaha is - again FOR ME - mouthpiece sensitive while the Cerveny was not. The Yamaha is heavy and the Cerveny is lighter, even though bigger. The case for the Yamaha was very nice and it had a good mouthpiece with it. The valve oil was so-so fish oil.

If you wish more detail, just let me know.

All the best.

Roger

[Eflatdoubler]

Is there a period of time that produced better Cerveny Piggys? How are the new CC piggy tubas? I noticed the newer 4 valve Cervenys have a garland around the bell... Have there been any other changed over the years? Also, anyone ever play a Meinl-Weston 2144 CC tuba? How does it compare in size and playability to the others? What are typical price ranges for these tubas?
Thanks!!

[Bob Kolada]

How are the new CC piggy tubas? I noticed the newer 4 valve Cervenys have a garland around the bell... Have there been any other changed over the years?...What are typical price ranges for these tubas?

I've never played a piggy, but there is also a yet smaller model dubbed the "piglet" that Matt Walters spoke very highly of. I think they sell for around 2500 new. If I remember right you're looking for a tuba for brass quintet and such- this might be a good fit. If I were looking into a small C it, as well a 2J and a Weril, would definitely be horns I would check out. The former (?) Dalyan C is also a very nice little horn that I think was selling at $1700 when Dalyan seemed to disappear.
If you have any interest in a small (but big sounding F), the Cerveny 653/5 is an excellent horn. Actually, I think the one I played last summer was one of the best tubas I've ever played. You could probably also get one with a flat half step 6th valve if you wanted.

The "piglet"-

[The Big Ben]

How are the new CC piggy tubas? I noticed the newer 4 valve Cervenys have a garland around the bell... Have there been any other changed over the years?...What are typical price ranges for these tubas?

I've never played a piggy, but there is also a yet smaller model dubbed the "piglet" that Matt Walters spoke very highly of. I think they sell for around 2500 new. If I remember right you're looking for a tuba for brass quintet and such- this might be a good fit.

I contacted Matt about a Piglet a few months ago. It's not a horn they keep in stock but could get in 6 to 8 weeks. If someone was interested, it would be best to call Dillon's and get current information.

A good small group CC tuba made by a respected manufacturer for under $3K new could have a market.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

At one time I owned both, simultaneously. I used the YCB-621 exclusively as my quintet horn, and the Piggy for everything else.

The Piggy was actually a stencil horn, with "Sanders" as the brand name. An older horn (probably '70s vintage), it had questionable intonation, but a great tone!
I always thought (and still think) that the Yamaha is an ideal quintet horn.