What are the hot tubas right now?

[WoodSheddin]

Been out of the tuba shopping loop for over a decade now. Need to replace my work horn. My personal horn is a Meinl Weston 2000. I like it but would like something just a bit bigger. Not Yorkbrunner big. Maybe PT-6p ish bigger.

But I am sure there have been some new players enter the arena since 1999.

What are some of the 5/4 ish sized horns that I should look into. I want something that can be agile enough for a quintet if need be, but mostly something to support a band of 50-60 in a section of 2-3 tubists.

[Jerryleejr]

Are you looking to stay with a CC? I did a lot of research on BBb before my recent purchase and most of the CC counterparts to the ones I looked at were favorable. And most of the advice I received while shopping was play as many as you can, which I'm sure you will.

JJ

[Jay Bertolet]

One of my students just bought a new MW Thor and that is a really nice horn. Lively sound, can be big as well as agile. Very good intonation (at least his is). The size reminds me of a PT6. Good luck in your search!

[Uncle Buck]

Read what those whose opinions you trust have written on this board about the Thor. Lots of very good players are liking it a lot.

[THE TUBA]

In addition to the horns listed, Meinl Weston came out with a 5/4 Rotary CC: the Tuono 5450RA. It seems to be the rotary brother of the THOR. I haven't played one, so I can't really comment on how it plays. If it anything like the THOR, then it is at least in the discussion for good 5/4 CCs on the market right now.

[TheHatTuba]

.

[joh_tuba]

The Thor certainly seems to be the 'horn du jour'.. mostly because it's easy to play and readily makes a sound that satisfies our primal caveman instincts. Yes, it can also be played beautifully.. of course. While a bit smaller than the Thor, the MW2000 is definitely a more refined animal.

I own a rotor PT6 and any time I visit an elephant room I leave feeling smugly self-satisfied that I still have the best horn available.

THAT SAID, if shopping all over again, I'd try to get the PT6, Thor, and a Miraphone 1293 in a room together for a a shoot out. For your needs, and traveling from a 2000, I suspect you might really appreciate what the 1293 achieves. Still puts out a large PT6esque sound but a bit more quintet friendly than a Thor.

I had a strong dislike of the 1291 and 1292 but think Miraphone finally got it right in the 1293. Of the three models it's probably the best 'win an audition' horn.

Sidenote: In addition to my PT6 I have a PT605 BBb which is basically a rotary BBb Thor. It's a wonderful instrument for large ensembles and laying down a bass line in dixie/new orleans style brass groups. The low register is absolutely ridiculous for sheer wattage and the sound it produces is very addictive.

[GC]

The Gnageys seem to have quite a following.

[swillafew]

Sidenote: In addition to my PT6 I have a PT605 BBb which is basically a rotary BBb Thor. It's a wonderful instrument for large ensembles and laying down a bass line in dixie/new orleans style brass groups. The low register is absolutely ridiculous for sheer wattage and the sound it produces is very addictive.

+1

[iiipopes]

The PT605 is sold as the GR51 in Europe. I got to play one a few years ago. If I were 30 years younger and needed a BBb, this would be the tuba I would purchase. Rather more 5/4 than 4/4 in size, feel and tone. Amazing scale and uniformity of tone and response from register to register. Works best with a PT82 mouthpiece.

[Reptilian]

I'm in the market as well, and one that I am very anxious to try is the new Kanstul 5490 Grand CC.

Lee Stofer mentioned a while back that they were updating it with a tighter wrap. Anybody hear of any new developments re. that?

[Jason Roamer]

I have a picture of last year's production Grand CC and this year's. The two horns are at slightly different angles, but they do appear to be different wraps.

[TheHatTuba]

Did either of the Kanstul's have an upper, spring loaded mts?

[Untersatz]

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=56493&p=485184#p485184" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank
Current price is only $7300.

MW 2000 vs MIRA 1291 CC

I like both instruments and have played very good examples of both side-by-side. The 2000 has some low notes that can get edgy and can "get away" on you - they don't center quite as well as on the Miraphone. The Miraphone has a little more depth to the sound and the projection is as good or better than the 2000. I like the ease of play of the Mirphone a bit more - but that's me. The Miraphone likes "fast" air a little more.

Chirs Blaha recently won the Charleston Symphony audition on a Miraphone 1291 (lacquer) after having traded his very good MW2000 for it. I feel that this speaks volumes. Chris is a great player and a good friend, and more than likely would have won it on the 2000 but the Miraphone felt more comfortable to him - and that's what it's all about. What works for YOU, the player.

I'm not suggesting that that a 1291 is a new or hot tuba, but it has a very good reputation & its successors the
very well liked 1292 "New Yorker" or the 1293 which is even better

[thattubaguy]

The new kanstul grand cc is really, really awesome.

[thattubaguy]

When I said new I meant it.

[cle_tuba]

It has one Tuono and two Thor in recent years were the best tools you already own!
Now I'm curious to try a Gronitz PCK, we'll see ....

[MacedoniaTuba]

I have tuono and it's fantastic..even though it has some slow slides(and its probably factory problem),every other erspective is great..it has great low register,pretty good intonation and the rotors are doung just great.

[k001k47]

fwiw . . . I really like these. http://www.miraphone.de/en/products/det ... B&g=18&v=1
My opinion is far from valid, though.

EDIT
Smaller than a 2000, though.
Uhhh. . . +1 for the Kanstul

[Reptilian]

I have a picture of last year's production Grand CC and this year's. The two horns are at slightly different angles, but they do appear to be different wraps.

It would be great if you could post them. Thanks.