B&S PT-4

[tromboneaphone123]

Does anyone know anything about this horn? I'm looking around for a pretty good "all arounder" and I have been strongly considering this one. Is the sound big enough to fill an orchestra on those huge pieces? Thanks for the help guys!

[tromboneaphone123]

Also I would like some info. on the Besson 995. How does it play?

[tromboneaphone123]

Bump.

[joh_tuba]

To tag onto what Doc said, both are good horns.

They play well with pleasing(albeit very different) sounds.

I would advise spending time with a tuner with both of them before choosing either. If you find one that has workable intonation it's worthy of consideration.

[arpthark]

I believe the PT-20 is the updated version of the PT-4. I am not sure if B&S still makes the PT-4, does anyone know for sure?

If I understand it correctly, the PT-20 is a rework of the PT-4 featuring a larger bell (~19") and improved intonation. For my PT-20P, the low range has a lot of punch, the mid-range is buttery and the upper register is very clear. Intonation is very good on this model, but it's not a point-and-shoot horn. Everything is very easily lipped, which can be a curse or a blessing depending on the situation.

Although the sound is not as big as that of a PT-6 or Yorkbrunner, it can be very round and broad. My only beef is that if you aren't careful, notes from A below the staff on down can get barky, but you can probably chalk that up to user error.

I am very pleased with the ergonomics of this model as well; slides 1, 3 and 4 are very easily reachable with your left hand if you have to fine-tune pitches.

If you can find a used PT-4 or PT-20 at a good price and with a good scale, you should be set with an all-around, 4/4 CC tuba. I have used mine in orchestras, wind ensembles, quintet and jazz to good effect.

I hope this helps. Good luck on your search!

[Matt Walters]

Just a reminder that B&S used the PT-4 designation for two different models of CC tuba. The earliest was a tall 5 valve CC version of the B&S PT-1 BBb. The later model was squat like the current B&S PT-20 which seems to have replaced the PT-4.

[Wyvern]

Bob Tucci told me that the PT-20 had been developed to cure intonation problem with the piston PT-4. However the rotary version worked fine.

I have never played a PT-4, but the PT-20 is a fine 4/4 CC.

The PT-4 is no longer in the B&S catalogue, and I believe is now just made for Custom Music in the USA.

[joh_tuba]

I've had people supposedly involved or close to the design of a given instrument tell me certain pitches had been fixed when as far as I could tell it was no different. I'm very skeptical of what anyone claims about an instrument unless I can play it and decide for myself. Too many people with too many agendas(mostly selling a given horn).

Many PT4s and PT3s have sharp 3rd and 6th partials. Some are more severe than others. As a general rule everything else about the horns are darned near perfect. If you find one that meets your intonation standards buy it and never let it go. I've not yet found one but would be ecstatic if I ever came across a PT3 with a good scale. In every other way they are simply profoundly wonderful.

I know the 20 is intended to replace the 4 but haven't spent enough time around one to comment on how well they work. Initial impressions in an elephant room were positive.