B&S PT 6 vs. PT 20. Opinions?

[mirapwned]

Hello all. I'm in the market for a new CC horn, and have recently been looking at B&S tubas. I'm aware of the PT 6 and PT 606 models. They are both great horns. I recently saw a PT 20 and don't know anything about it. Does anyone out there own one of these and use it regularly? What do you think of it? How does it compare to the PT 6? In the past I've owned a Miraphone 1291, and the larger bore of the 5th valve of the PT 20 seems more similar to the 1291. I'll have a chance to play a PT 20 in a few weeks, but since I don't know much about it, I just wanted to get your opinions. Thanks everyone!

[Wyvern]

I have owned a PT-20 in the past. It is a good tuba with good intonation and nice sound. However although its bore is the same at the PT-6 (and even the Neptune) it is definitely 4/4 due to its bell throat size.

If suitable for you depends on how you want to use - for medium size orchestra it is ideal and for band as one of a section, but it will not provide as broad a tone as a PT-6

[AHynds]

The root of the question is: What purpose will this horn serve? If you're looking for more of an all-purpose horn, I'd lean towards the PT-20. It's a nice horn, and as Neptune posted above, it's definitely along the 4/4 size scale. The PT-6 is also a very nice tuba (bias alert: I play one), but it is a little more...specific. Since I got my PT-6, I've found myself using my F tuba a lot more for any type of middle-of-the-road playing situations. The PT-6 is for many the archetypal 5/4 horn, and it definitely serves that purpose (acting as a large horn for ensembles).

The bottom line is, play both horns if possible and decide which one would better serve your playing needs.

Hope this helps!
Aaron H.

[mirapwned]

I think I'm looking for more of an all purpose horn. Primarily I'll be using in 2 large ensembles - one which will require a larger, more powerful sound, but will also be played as part of a very strong tuba section. The other is a community band which needs a horn which won't be overbearing. Other then that I'll be using periodically for small ensemble gigs.

Thanks, all, for your input. Ultimately I need to play them both to know which is right - and I'll have an opportunity to do just that over the next few weeks. I just wanted to know some opinions about these horns going in. TubeNet is such a great resource, I thought I'd ask around. Thanks again!

[Chobbie]

Highly suggest you try a kanstul

[iiipopes]

Try before you buy. A couple years ago Jeff Rideout stopped in town on his way back from San Antonio back to Michigan. Many of the regional tuba players and students got to try the large stable he brought for an entire afternoon. My trials are posted in another old thread. But for this thread, there were two guys who tried several tubas looking for a good horn for performance major pursuit. One played the PT6, the other played the PT20. Then they switched. Since they were both accomplished undergraduates studying in the same music department, you would imagine they would both sound similar. But no. One sounded great on the PT6. The other sounded great on the PT20. But when they switched instruments, each sounded inferior on the other tuba. Jeff had his demo cases of PT mouthpieces and others, so every mouthpiece was available. It didn't matter. When they switched back, each sounded great again on the respective instruments, regardless of mouthpiece used.

[Bob Kolada]

I don't try nor play those horns but have spent considerable time next to them. The PT6p is a permanent no-go but the 4 and rotary 6 are somewhat better. Is this to replace or compliment your 983? That is a better all around horn and for a complimenting horn (small laugh here at that phrase ) I'd much prefer a large Bb. 1291, whether C or Bb, all the way.

[tubeast]

I´ve owned a PT20 (rotary) and very much liked it. I think it can play bigger than it looks. Very versatile.
Later I looked for somethin MUCH bigger in CC to add to my choice of horns.
Found out that in the German market it´s easier to find a matching set of small and large BBbs rather than CCs.

In particular, the brand new big BBb turned out to cost as much as a used Neptune.
Decided to make that switch and never looked back.

[bort]

For what you describe, the PT-20 would be better in my opinion. The PT6 is significantly larger, and less appropriate for use as an everyday/everything tuba. A PT 3/4/20 would be better.

[mirapwned]

Bob, this horn will be to replace the 983. I would love to keep it, but right now I have no real use for it in the ensembles I play in, and financially I can't justify the money for a 2nd horn. I think I agree with you on the 6P as well. I had a chance to play one tonight and wasn't impressed. I would want to play the rotor horn before totally ruling it out though. I'm going to try to get up to Custom Music next week to play a few different horns to see what I think.

[mirapwned]

Also, I have owned a Miraphone New Yorker CC in the not-too-distant-past. It was a great horn and I regretted selling it almost immediately after I did. I am not ruling out purchasing another one. I just want to try some different horns before I make a decision.

[Casey Tucker]

I've owned my PT20p for almost a decade and love it. It's a great all-around and fits nicely within a section. As for the PT6, I haven't played one yet that I really liked (IMHO!) but that's not to say you won't find one you like. If you have an Eb the PT6 could be a nice compliment and might work in more playing situations than you think when paired with the right mpc. Just because it's a big horn doesn't mean it can't be light and nimble. EX.) I remember listening to Gene Pokorny live on his HB50 playing by himself at a masterclass. He could play so soft that I could barely hear him and loud enough to, literally, shake stuff on the walls. It all depends on your dedication to achieve what you're looking to do.

Cheers!
CT

[mirapwned]

Thanks, everyone for your input! I really appreciate everything you had to say. It was a lot of help as I made my decision. I did get a chance to play both the PT-6 and PT-20, along with many other horns, and I ended up going with the PT-20P. I think it's going to best fit all my needs. Thanks, again for all your help.

Andy

[Bob Kolada]

Might I offer you a congratulatory BLEH?
But whatever, enjoy your new horn!

[Ian1]

Fantastic.

I recently bought a PT-20 and am currently using it in a professional production of Siegfried in the UK.

I really like the depth of tone and the brilliant intonation.

Enjoy.

Ian

[Wyvern]

I recently bought a PT-20 and am currently using it in a professional production of Siegfried in the UK.

I really like the depth of tone and the brilliant intonation.

Am looking forward to hearing Ian!

Congratulations to OP on your new PT20P - enjoy!