I know everyone hates these kinds of questions, but too bad!
I'm curious to hear opinions on how the Meinl Weston 2145 (normal and BBC version) compare to the 3450. I think I asked this also in the for sale ad for a 3450 here, but figured I would get better information here.
I've played several 2145's before, and liked the BBC version far more than the regular version. I have not yet tried the 3450. One thing I find surprising though is that a brand-new 2145 costs about $2,300 MORE than a brand-new 3450. I though these were pretty similar tubas that would fill the same role as a do-it-all 4/4 tuba. Is that true?
I'm going to offer a non-answer answer based on conjecture and limited experience with those three horns.
I've only played the original 2145 but the differences in the BBC version likely have a much more profound impact on the feedback and feel to the player than to the audience. Of course, a horn that feels more 'alive/resonant' in your hands will probably get played with a bit more enthusiasm.. so it might just sound different in the hall.
I'm genuinely curious about the 3450. Reports point to a slightly smaller body than the 2145 that produces a bigger sound than a 2145. True?
Honestly, I'd love a horn that is both sonically and physically smaller than a 2145.
Regarding small piston 2145s: They should revisit that valve body.
I forgot about the small valve 2145, which is rare but a very nice tuba indeed. I really liked the one I tried, but didn't buy it because it seemed a bit smaller than what I wanted at the time. Might have all been in my head.
Hi Bort,
I don't think you'll get much better information here. The 3450 hasn't been around that long and not many were sold, so it could be difficult finding anyone who's had experience playing one, besides blowing a few notes on one at a conference. It's taller than a 2145 with a slightly larger bell, but it's outer branches aren't as hefty as a 2145's. It blows more freely and and appears to have a bigger sound. I was never a fan of the 2145, new or old. I loved the 3450 as soon as I picked it up at the DC Conference in 2011. Then, I picked up a 2145 for comparison and I put it down pretty quickly. Anyway, I'm repeating myself from a previous post. Too bad there aren't more 3450's around for everyone to try out and decide for themselves.
Here's a link to an older thread discussing the 3450 vs. the 2145. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=49858&start=0" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank
FWIW, my teacher, a local pro, has been playing a 3450 for at least a year. I've played it a few times. Big, beautiful sound. I've never played a 2145, but he says the 3450 is a much better tuba than a 2145.
Miraphone 188
Parke Ofenloch
Continental Divide Tuba Society
I also just found this older post, with a few other thoughts on the 3450. All very interesting, and I think you all are right, this is reaching the limit of what there is to know without just trying it out.
