So I just got a Cerveny 653 F tuba, and I think it's a fantastic tuba.
Got me to thinking -- how are the new Cerveny C tubas? At all like the 653? I've tried a bunch of Piggy's over the years, some great, some just alright. How are the newer 4/4 and 5/4 CC's? Curious as well to hear from others who know the 653.
(Yes, I have a bit of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) recently... )
I've been playing with a guy who had a piggy, and it really sucked. It was easily over blown, did not mesh well with ensemble, and never played in tune. Some may be good, but this one in particular was pretty bad, but you should judge for yourself.
Thanks for the info... really, that's about all I've already known about Cerveny's. Try before you buy, and they can be fantastic or crap.
Since the 653 is so in favor, and in general, so much good news about Cerveny's quality and overall build improving over the last 10 years, I'm curious if anyone had gotten a *new* big-ish CC Cerveny in the past few years? Any different than the older ones?
I think I tried that 601 (or at least some 601) 3 or 4 years ago. It felt very thin, and was so resonant it felt like it was shaking when I played it. Sound was nice, but it also had zero resistance and took a LOT of air. Bad mouthpiece matchup?
For what it's worth:
The Cerveny CCB 483 that I got from Matt Walters is such a good horn that I can't help squawkin' about it.
It's possible that others might find this affordable
all-around CC to their liking.
(I sure like it better than my previous CB-50 and
Harvey-Holton CCs).
Congratulations to all one-tuba owners that have
found that "perfect fit".
cktuba wrote:To me Cervenys come in two distinct categories-- great instruments that will easily compare favorably to any other manufacturer and beautiful boat anchors that need to be filled with concrete for the sake of humanity. There is not a lot of middle ground with Cerveny. Never buy a Cerveny (or any horn for that matter, although you could almost get by with it on a Miraphone 188) without playing it first.
I think a horn that would really match what I think you are looking for, based on our discussion, would be one of the older Cerveny 601's with the 18 inch large throated bell. Those are some really sweet horns. There was one at Dillon Music three or four years back. They don't pop up very often but when they do people are all over them. But, again, play it before buying.
I agree with the comments about the Cerveny CC 601-5. It's a really good tuba at a mid-range price. Here's mine:
I'm really curious, thinking of a switch to a 4/4 to 5/4 CC tuba. Yes, the Miraphone 188 is high on the list. But also trying to get an idea for what else is out there!
I'm really curious, thinking of a switch to a 4/4 to 5/4 CC tuba. Yes, the Miraphone 188 is high on the list. But also trying to get an idea for what else is out there!
Neptune had a red brass 601 (701?) until sometime last year. As I remember, he kinda liked it and sold it for other reasons. Maybe he'll jump in here...
Neptune's 701 was a four valve BBb, so it might have some differences to the 601 CC you are looking into. But dang, those red brass horns are awesome looking! (by the way, I believe that Dillons can order any Cerveny horn in red brass even if it isn't listed as such, for about a 20% surcharge)
I'm really curious, thinking of a switch to a 4/4 to 5/4 CC tuba. Yes, the Miraphone 188 is high on the list. But also trying to get an idea for what else is out there!
That pic is about 15 years old, taken the same year I bought the horn new. I liked the tone of that tuba, and enjoyed the left-hand fifth. You mention the Miraphone 188 is high on your list. I owned a 188 a few years ago and recommend it highly. My present tuba is a Schiller CC with 5 rotary valves which I purchased new for $1780 with case. Crazy as it might seem, the Schiller is darn near the equal (in build and sound) of any tuba I've owned in the past------and that includes three 186's and a 188.
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