Professional 4/4 BBb?

[kontrabass]

By the way, since so many keep bringing up the 186, I'll ask it again: does a 186 4/4 BBb with front action piston valves actually exist? I haven't been able to find one online so far.

[Bob Kolada]

I vote for a 2341 or a 1291. Yes the 1291 is a bigger horn, but it is a super horn and very easy to play. It also has a great low register and is perfectly fine as a 4 banger (great false tones!). I haven't played a 2341 in a while; the 56J has a good register (ok from Ab-F, and quite nice on down to Db) but is more "crank" than the 1291.

[J.c. Sherman]

By the way, since so many keep bringing up the 186, I'll ask it again: does a 186 4/4 BBb with front action piston valves actually exist? I haven't been able to find one online so far.

No such animal.

[bort]

I vote for the MW HoJo. Not sure if it's still current, but HornGuys has them new for $5500, which seems pretty cheap for a new Meinl Weston of ANY kind!

[kontrabass]

thanks guys, some good options here. I will need to try a bunch of them out before I decide.

[Alex C]

I join the chorus for the Nirschl BBb tuba. The 1291 BBb is a great horn but the playing difference between the two horns is small and the difference in price is big.

They are about the same size. The Nirschl has a more "American" sound (whatever the heck that means to you) and the Miraphone is a darker sounding horn. Pitch and response on both horns is quite good.

[rocksanddirt]

By the way, since so many keep bringing up the 186, I'll ask it again: does a 186 4/4 BBb with front action piston valves actually exist? I haven't been able to find one online so far.

if it has pistons, it is not a Miraphone 186.

[imperialbari]

How many pairs of tuba models will one find where everything but for the rotor respective the piston valve blocks are identical?

Klaus

[Dan Schultz]

How many pairs of tuba models will one find where everything but for the rotor respective the piston valve blocks are identical?

Klaus

The word 'identical' may be subject to debate since no two tubas are truly EXACTLY the same. However... My Marzan BBb 'slant-rotor' BBb and Marzan piston BBb (Bohm & Meinl built) horns share the same bugle. The other one that I know of is the Miraphone 191 (rotary) and 1291 (piston) tubas.

[J.c. Sherman]

How many pairs of tuba models will one find where everything but for the rotor respective the piston valve blocks are identical?

Klaus

All three HoJos (Meinl Weston)

[Lee Stofer]

Although I wouldn't have said so 6 months ago, the Kanstul model 33-S is the ticket for a 4/4 professional BBb tuba, either 4- or 5-valve. These instruments are not merely patterened after the old Yorks, they are the real deal. The Getzen CB-50/G-50 didn't even come close to the "York-ness" of these instruments. Now that I've played 'em, I'm really stumped as to whether I should get the BBb or CC, for they are equally great in either key. The sound has to be heard and experienced to be believed. The full line of Kanstul York-model horns will be at ITEC. As much as I like the sound and response, equally impressive at least is how in-tune these instruments are. It is just uncanny to sit down and play an instrument that in-tune, without even trying.

[imperialbari]

Hi Lee,

I would agree that the G/CB-50 really wasn't any sort of York copy, just as is not the B&S-made 606 CC.

Further, is that the same avatar that you had when you were in the Atlanta area?

Isn't it time to put up something more related to your new digs?

Said by someone showing a classmate of his in the above posting. Bix, isn’t it?

K

[kontrabass]

interesting, Lee. any word on a price point, and when it will be available in retail? i'm not necessarily looking to buy right away so i could wait, if need be. i won't be at itec, though, a bit far for this canadian. half of the battle in finding a horn for me is getting to where the horns are...