zachtd wrote:My teach says that it's a good deal. He says that I should get a CC. He has suggested Conn, St. Petersburg, and now this. I am trying a GP-13 at tuba exchange in two weeks as well as the PT-6P
Well...at least you're trying other horns. In my opinion, I vote 'no' on the GP-13. I loved my Kalison, but there is some stuff missing on that horn (not literally, just design was). When I tried it, the intonation was awful. Remember, it's just an opinion. Your mileage may vary.
PT 6P is nothing to turn up your nose at. But you don't mention the finish, age or price or condition of the PT 6P.
What consitiutes a great deal for you? (because that is different for everyone) My next great deal started life in 1915!
Great starter instrument, and has the potential to last you for a professional career's worth of performances. Shop around like you would to buy anything, just to make sure you get the best deal, but they are a great axe.
Since when was a PT-6P a "starter instrument"?? It's a professional instrument, I certainly wouldn't put a beginner on one, and it's probably not necessary for an undergrad to have one unless they're already at a professional level.
OP, it depends on how much the offer is. Take a look on the "For Sale" section and you'll see some other PT-6s for sale. I'd say the going rate for a used one in good condition around $7500-$8500 depending on condition and what accessories are included. By the way, are you into orchestral music? If you're studying music education, or not sure what exactly you want to do, I might suggest a 4/4 instrument as opposed to the PT-6, which is 5/4. I had one and found it too big for a lot of playing situations (anything outside of concert band or orchestra basically). Something like a Miraphone 186 will be more versatile and save you a few grand.
Zachtd,
Congrats on a few things first:
#1 You have your teacher involved in the "choosing a horn" process.
#2 You've made the decision to switch to CC tuba before college. (please read as: I am not making a judgement between CC or BBb tubas, but IF you are going to switch to CC tuba in High School, you are generally ahead of the game.)
If you are willing to spend $8,500 for a tuba you should to go out and play as many tubas as you can before making a decision. Right now you have an outstanding opportunity to try most them all in one location: The ITEA International Conference 25-29 May in Tempe, Arizona. The cost of travel and registration is small compaired to the peace-of-mind it provides you for such an large, important investment in your future.
(if you are not able to go to the conference, go to the music stores that have the tubas: Baltimore Brass, Dillon, Custom Music, Woodwind & Brasswind, Tubadome, Tuba Exchange, etc.) (again no preferential treatment here, just showing examples)
As for the PT-6P, I've played a number of these tubas over the years. (I grew up close to custom music) I agree with the majority of posts here; it is a professional level instrument that has its lovers and haters. Unfortunately for you, most makes/models of tubas are this way. (Tuba players can be awfully opinionated!) So you will have to play as many tubas as you can and come to your own (with the help of your teacher) informed decision.
If you are looking for a professional-level CC Tuba there are many fine makes/models to choose from: Hirsbrunner, B&S, Meinl Weston, Wilson, Miraphone, Gronitz, Rudy Meinl, Yamaha, Besson, Walter Nirschl, Kanstul, Conn... the choices seem endless!
(please read as: these are in no particular order, no brand is excluded on-purpose, I am just trying to express the magnitude of what might be available.)
Whatever you decide to do, use this very exciting time to learn as much as you can about the tubas that are available to you. Think of it as your first college course in TUBA 101.
BTW: I am going to the conference to determine what F tuba and 6/4 CC Tuba to buy for my job; so I have my work cut out for me too!!!
Good Luck To You!
Michael Andrew (aka Tuba Mike)
Tubist, Band of the Golden West
Travis AFB, CA
Personal Horns: HB-2P & B&S PT-10PS
Work Horns: HB-50, HB-2P & HB-12
I have played a Mirafone 186- 5u CC for years, I love it, the "all around horn" etc. The Navy just bought a few PT-6 PSes. Beautiful finish. Very road worthy , bulletproof construction. We bought the MTS hard case with wheels, and have had no problems so far. We (our central repair facility) vented the first valve only, and I can tell you, this is a great instrument. I play it in our Concert Band, and it really is a joy to play in a large ensemble. I am using it in Brass Quintet, but I am still a little unsure about it in there, as it is a 5/4 horn. The thing that makes it work for BQ (from my perspective) is the strong upper range and overall ease of playing. Response is not an issue, so I have no trouble keeping my pianos and pianissimos where they need to be. No one else in the BQ has complained that the horn is too big, so so far so good. I can still use the trusty ol' 186 in there if necessary. The only government owned horn I have played that is as good or better than our new PT-6 PS is a Hirsbrunner HB 21 at the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, VA. Unfortunatly, the valves were replated poorly, and so now the valves are needing to be re-done.
Kurt Zeigler
Retired, United States Navy Music Program (Tubist 1995-2015)
