AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
- k001k47
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
I like how most slides are easily accessible: may come in handy.
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Lee Stofer
- 4 valves

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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
I do not hate the Chinese, either, but I do advocate an import tariff to level the playing field a little bit. The US government did that for Harley-Davidson when Aisan motorcycle makers were selling bikes here at cost or less to try to take over the market. From what I can see now, not only is there a reasonable representation of non-US-made motorcycles here, but there are a healthy number of Harleys and even other American-made bikes here. It seems like it worked, without hurting anyone.
By the way, there is someone in California making amazing new piston F and Eb tubas, which can be had, depending upon options, from $7,000.00 - $8,400.00. And, the 5-valve version has an INDEPENDENT 5th valve which is a patented mechanical wonder. The California instrument maker is succeeding in re-creating the York instruments, both in the original top-valve format and the modern 5-valve valveset. This maker is large enough to make a very costly proposition like this a reality, but small enough to build custom one-off models upon request. This year, I have had two orders for a 4-front-valve instrument, and although this option is not listed by the company, they readily built them and they were just gorgeous, in appearance and in sound.
Yes, you can pay less for an instrument, but there are consequences for everything we do.
By the way, there is someone in California making amazing new piston F and Eb tubas, which can be had, depending upon options, from $7,000.00 - $8,400.00. And, the 5-valve version has an INDEPENDENT 5th valve which is a patented mechanical wonder. The California instrument maker is succeeding in re-creating the York instruments, both in the original top-valve format and the modern 5-valve valveset. This maker is large enough to make a very costly proposition like this a reality, but small enough to build custom one-off models upon request. This year, I have had two orders for a 4-front-valve instrument, and although this option is not listed by the company, they readily built them and they were just gorgeous, in appearance and in sound.
Yes, you can pay less for an instrument, but there are consequences for everything we do.
Lee A. Stofer, Jr.
- averagejoe
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
I love my Kanstul F.Lee Stofer wrote:I do not hate the Chinese, either, but I do advocate an import tariff to level the playing field a little bit. The US government did that for Harley-Davidson when Aisan motorcycle makers were selling bikes here at cost or less to try to take over the market. From what I can see now, not only is there a reasonable representation of non-US-made motorcycles here, but there are a healthy number of Harleys and even other American-made bikes here. It seems like it worked, without hurting anyone.
By the way, there is someone in California making amazing new piston F and Eb tubas, which can be had, depending upon options, from $7,000.00 - $8,400.00. And, the 5-valve version has an INDEPENDENT 5th valve which is a patented mechanical wonder. The California instrument maker is succeeding in re-creating the York instruments, both in the original top-valve format and the modern 5-valve valveset. This maker is large enough to make a very costly proposition like this a reality, but small enough to build custom one-off models upon request. This year, I have had two orders for a 4-front-valve instrument, and although this option is not listed by the company, they readily built them and they were just gorgeous, in appearance and in sound.
Yes, you can pay less for an instrument, but there are consequences for everything we do.
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Frank Ortega
- 4 valves

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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Question; Which models are the EEb and F tubas based on? It looks as if they are based on the Model 700 series,
but I don't believe York ever made that style of instrument in EEb. They made the model 33 Monster style and the smaller 3/4 Eb but nothing that looks like these. Unless it's based on a Conn design?
I'm J-onesing to try these horns!
Frank Ortega
but I don't believe York ever made that style of instrument in EEb. They made the model 33 Monster style and the smaller 3/4 Eb but nothing that looks like these. Unless it's based on a Conn design?
I'm J-onesing to try these horns!
Frank Ortega
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
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zangerzzz
- bugler

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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Lee Wrote
I do not hate the Chinese, either, but I do advocate an import tariff to level the playing field a little bit. The US government did that for Harley-Davidson when Aisan motorcycle makers were selling bikes here at cost or less to try to take over the market. From what I can see now, not only is there a reasonable representation of non-US-made motorcycles here, but there are a healthy number of Harleys and even other American-made bikes here. It seems like it worked, without hurting anyone.
By the way, there is someone in California making amazing new piston F and Eb tubas, which can be had, depending upon options, from $7,000.00 - $8,400.00. And, the 5-valve version has an INDEPENDENT 5th valve which is a patented mechanical wonder. The California instrument maker is succeeding in re-creating the York instruments, both in the original top-valve format and the modern 5-valve valveset. This maker is large enough to make a very costly proposition like this a reality, but small enough to build custom one-off models upon request. This year, I have had two orders for a 4-front-valve instrument, and although this option is not listed by the company, they readily built them and they were just gorgeous, in appearance and in sound.
Yes, you can pay less for an instrument, but there are consequences for everything we do.
My 5v Eb California instrument has enough pull on the 4th slide not to need a 5th.
I do not hate the Chinese, either, but I do advocate an import tariff to level the playing field a little bit. The US government did that for Harley-Davidson when Aisan motorcycle makers were selling bikes here at cost or less to try to take over the market. From what I can see now, not only is there a reasonable representation of non-US-made motorcycles here, but there are a healthy number of Harleys and even other American-made bikes here. It seems like it worked, without hurting anyone.
By the way, there is someone in California making amazing new piston F and Eb tubas, which can be had, depending upon options, from $7,000.00 - $8,400.00. And, the 5-valve version has an INDEPENDENT 5th valve which is a patented mechanical wonder. The California instrument maker is succeeding in re-creating the York instruments, both in the original top-valve format and the modern 5-valve valveset. This maker is large enough to make a very costly proposition like this a reality, but small enough to build custom one-off models upon request. This year, I have had two orders for a 4-front-valve instrument, and although this option is not listed by the company, they readily built them and they were just gorgeous, in appearance and in sound.
Yes, you can pay less for an instrument, but there are consequences for everything we do.
My 5v Eb California instrument has enough pull on the 4th slide not to need a 5th.
- bisontuba
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Hi-Frank Ortega wrote:Question; Which models are the EEb and F tubas based on? It looks as if they are based on the Model 700 series,
but I don't believe York ever made that style of instrument in EEb. They made the model 33 Monster style and the smaller 3/4 Eb but nothing that looks like these. Unless it's based on a Conn design?
I'm J-onesing to try these horns!
![]()
Frank Ortega
You will have to ask Dick on what the Gemeinhardt Eb and F tubas are based on- all I know is that they play great-happy J-onesing
Mark
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Wu299
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Can you please post a link to website of that California maker? Thanks.
- bort
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
http://www.kanstul.com/" target="_blank
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Frank Ortega
- 4 valves

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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
How can you get in touch with Richard Barth? Does he have a screen name here?
Email?
Thanks,
Frank
Email?
Thanks,
Frank
Frank Ortega
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
Band Director
Saddle Brook MS/HS
The Bloomfield Civic Band
Music Director/Conductor
Bon Temps Brass
- bisontuba
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Frank-
PM Sent.....
Mark
PM Sent.....
Mark
- Tom Waid
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Yesterday I had an opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Barth and his instruments at the FMEA convention.
Richard Barth impressed me as a man of integrity. He answered my questions about quality control with a great deal of candor. It would seem that he has a handle on the production process.
I was very impressed with the F tuba. It's one of the best I've played. If you like Yamaha style F tubas there is a good chance that you will like the Gemeinhardt. It can be the one instrument you take to a quintet gig and be confident about belting out the low passages as well as singing in the high register.
I realize that many of you like the German F tuba sound and I can't predict that you would prefer the Gemeinhardt over B & S, Meinl Westen, etc. But, being a Yahama player, I was thrilled with the Gemeinhardt. I even mustered the courage to play the Bydlo. The G sharps popped right out.
The fifth valve was no issue to me. I've never had to use the alternate fingerings that are excluded by the setup.
I also played the CC and BBb tubas and they were quite impressive. However, it was the F tuba that rang my bell. To my chagrin I forgot to give the EEb a try.
Richard Barth impressed me as a man of integrity. He answered my questions about quality control with a great deal of candor. It would seem that he has a handle on the production process.
I was very impressed with the F tuba. It's one of the best I've played. If you like Yamaha style F tubas there is a good chance that you will like the Gemeinhardt. It can be the one instrument you take to a quintet gig and be confident about belting out the low passages as well as singing in the high register.
I realize that many of you like the German F tuba sound and I can't predict that you would prefer the Gemeinhardt over B & S, Meinl Westen, etc. But, being a Yahama player, I was thrilled with the Gemeinhardt. I even mustered the courage to play the Bydlo. The G sharps popped right out.
The fifth valve was no issue to me. I've never had to use the alternate fingerings that are excluded by the setup.
I also played the CC and BBb tubas and they were quite impressive. However, it was the F tuba that rang my bell. To my chagrin I forgot to give the EEb a try.
- bisontuba
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Hi all-
I know Dick Barth will be at the Tuba Conference this Friday & Saturday in Virginia with the new Gemeinhardt production model piston F & Eb tubas, and the BBb and CC (Note: CC is final prototype, with the production models coming VERY shortly, I believe) piston tubas--along with euphoniums, etc.-- you will really have fun with these horns. They are well built, & play great. Enjoy!!
Regards-
Mark Jones
I know Dick Barth will be at the Tuba Conference this Friday & Saturday in Virginia with the new Gemeinhardt production model piston F & Eb tubas, and the BBb and CC (Note: CC is final prototype, with the production models coming VERY shortly, I believe) piston tubas--along with euphoniums, etc.-- you will really have fun with these horns. They are well built, & play great. Enjoy!!
Regards-
Mark Jones
- bisontuba
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Hi-
Dick stopped by this afternoon and Don and I each bought a Gemeinhardt silver F tuba--I think I have died and gone to F Tuba Heaven--both horns were so similar it didn't matter which horn was chosen.
Having the horn here at home and 'burning the midnight valve oil' while playing it 'till I drop' makes me realize how great these tubas are. A huge thank you to Dick for making the side trip to deliver the tubas.
Regards-
Mark 'one very, very happy tuba player tonight!!'

Dick stopped by this afternoon and Don and I each bought a Gemeinhardt silver F tuba--I think I have died and gone to F Tuba Heaven--both horns were so similar it didn't matter which horn was chosen.
Having the horn here at home and 'burning the midnight valve oil' while playing it 'till I drop' makes me realize how great these tubas are. A huge thank you to Dick for making the side trip to deliver the tubas.
Regards-
Mark 'one very, very happy tuba player tonight!!'
- bort
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Mark... I know it's impolite to ask... But how much?
- bisontuba
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
PM sent...
Mark
Mark
- bort
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- bisontuba
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Re: AMAZING new piston F and Eb tubas!!!
Hi-
Just finished playing a week of second tuba with Don and Buffalo Philharmonic (two tubas on 2 separate pieces in 1 month--very cool!!) & we both used our new
Gemeinhardt F tubas on a piece--really wonderful!! The horns in a Hall with an Orchestra just have such a clear singing sound and make the music so very easy to play. As always, Don sounds tremendous (BTW, next week he plays the BIG horn-the Rudi 6/4 BBb on Prokofiev 5). These F tubas work great--just another two thumbs up for these horns under 'game conditions!'
Regards-
Mark
Just finished playing a week of second tuba with Don and Buffalo Philharmonic (two tubas on 2 separate pieces in 1 month--very cool!!) & we both used our new
Gemeinhardt F tubas on a piece--really wonderful!! The horns in a Hall with an Orchestra just have such a clear singing sound and make the music so very easy to play. As always, Don sounds tremendous (BTW, next week he plays the BIG horn-the Rudi 6/4 BBb on Prokofiev 5). These F tubas work great--just another two thumbs up for these horns under 'game conditions!'
Regards-
Mark