Bell model vs Rudy 3/4

[Plugo]

which instrument is easier to play? the bell model or the rudy 3/4. i will like your opinion.

[SousaSaver]

This answer will vary from person to person depending on many factors. If you can, get two together and try them out. Let us know what you think after you try them.

[Tom Gregory]

I agree with Bloke. I had a 4 valve Bell model. I loved the sound but (especially for a small-bore tuba), but very difficult to push around. Others that I have tried gave me the same impression, good sound, no mobility.

Over the past few decades I've played two really great Rudy 3/4 tubas. One, I had the opportunity to buy, but passed. the other was a magnificent gold brass, nicely engraved 3/4 (similar styling to the 4/4 in the For Sale section) that had the best sound. That was never for sale, but it's a horn that still haunts me. the RM CC tubas are flexible with workable intonation. To my ears, the sound is darker than a 186, more focused than a 188 and prettier sounding than an MW37 (Bell model).

[hbcrandy]

Like Bloke, I have owned both the Rudy Meinl 3/4 CC tuba and the Bell model MW, though years apart. I remember, years ago, the Rudy Meinl as having fairly good intonation and flexibility. However, as an all-purpose tuba, I found its use limited to solo and chamber music work. At the time, in the late 1970's, I was playing a Kaiser-sized CC tuba for orchestral work. So, the 3/4 Rudy Meinl may not have been given a fair chance.

I currently have an older Bell model MW with 4 valves as one of my CC tubas. Though the intonation quirks are major, I love the dark centered sound that I can produce when playing it. I can comfortably play it in both brass quintet as well as large orchestra. It projects through the full orchestra quite well. It may get to play Mahler 5 this Spring.

Both of these models of tubas have many positive points in their favor. Play both and decide which works for you.

[jeopardymaster]

Neither instrument is currently in production, right? I've only seen one RM 3/4 and it was sweet but didn't tempt me to stray from my Mirafone 184 -- sized more like a 185 anyhow. I've tried many Bell Model MWs and they ranged from excellent instruments to glorified garbage cans. I don't have the production numbers at my fingertips, but based on my own sampling I'd expect you'll have a much harder time finding an available Rudy. And if a 37 (?) IS available, it's more likely going to be a dog than a star. Now if you can find a good 185 --- that would be MY choice in the size range.

[chhite]

The 3/4 CC is indeed in production, as are all of his models. They will still build the Conn copy if you want it. The 3/4 is not a small tuba and I would prefer it over the Bell, but I am biased toward Rudi's instruments. It would be a great compliment to a 5/4 instrument or to fill a perceived gap between an F and larger CC.