Rotary version of a Thor?

[sc_curtis]

I'm not at ITEC, but I saw on someone's facebook who is there that MW has a prototype rotary version of the Thor. Can someone who is there take a pic of it and post it up on here? Also, what are people's opinion on how it plays? How is it compared to the piston Thor?

Thanks

[TubaNerd88]

Hey Curtis,

I've been at ITEC all week and I had a chance to tryout the rotar Thor. It plays just about the same as the piston version, but has a darker sound, IMO. It feels like it has just as much presence. Just my two cents.

I don't have a picture of it, but I can tell you that it is a massive horn.

- Matthew Gray

[Timswisstuba]

RotaryThor with friends.jpg

Here is a family picture with the rotary Thor.

From left to right: Don HARRY, Gerhard MEINL, Mike LYNCH (seated with Rotary THOR), Tim SULLIVAN (me) and Meinl Sales Representative (please forgive me, his name excapes me)


IMO the rotary Thor was the best rotary CC tuba at the conference. Since this is the prototype, MW was not interested in selling this particular horn, however the production model will be available in about a year's time.

The rotary version has a larger bell and a modified third branch for a better rotary valve fit. The horn plays very open and has a good response.

[Timswisstuba]

Does anyone have more up close picture of the new thor?

rotary thor2.jpg

[Wyvern]

Might this also be considered a CC version of the new B&S GR-55? Could well be the same bell?

[UTSAtuba]

I believe Marty Neilan once owned the 2155R...Marty?

Joseph "who doesn't believe that the 2155R and rotary Thor have the same characteristics, but also believes that they look very similar"