Help me select a new tuba

[ai698]

My National Guard band is finally getting me a new tuba. Most of our horns are deadlined and are unplayable POS. I'm currently using my Rudy or my F. Here's what I'm looking for:

CC tuba, use in concert band and brass quintet, can handle punishment (I load my own horn into the truck, but it gets bounced around in transport), and can handle possible hot, dry, and sandy conditions.

Here's what I was looking at:

Miraphone 1291
MW 2145, 2155, 2000
PT 3P, 20P, 606P (GR41)
Conn 52J, 54J

We currently have four tuba players in a 32 piece band, so a 5/4 or 6/4 tuba would more than likely drown out the band.

[chhite]

Why not go for another Rudi? You're familiar with them. Either a 4345(7/8) in piston or rotory, or even a 45 (4/4) in piston or rotory would work and both can handle a large ensemble, especially with three other players and sit in a quintet as well. The piston 4/4 was a joy to play on and I didn't have to plunge the slides like other piston CCs. My Rudi-loving $0.02

Chris

[chhite]

No matter what horn you end up purchasing, go for the best flight case(Johnson or Anvil style) and a lighter duty case for everyday use and storage. It may seem redundant to have two cases but the flight cases just don't go everywhere. They are a must for the trucks but if they're under the bus, the lighter cases are better than gig bags.

[Cameron Gates]

Steve, check your box.

Cameron

[crbarnes]

I own a 1291 and it truly is the best all around horn I have ever played in my 40 years of playing. Having said that, however, I am concerned about your need for durability. It is not the most durable horn I have ever seen. I have a few dents and I am not sure how they got there. Other horns are more durable. With a decent hard case or a flight case, it would be a good choice. Its large bore can create a big sound but it performs well in smaller ensembles. I play tuba 1 in a tuba quartet and it does just fine. I also use it for an orchestra, a brass band, a brass quintet and a wind symphony. It is a good compromise if all you have is one horn to use. There are other good makes and you are on the right track. Are there budget constraints here? Horns like Willson and some Meinl Westons might be a bit more sturdy. Everyone who has ever tried my 1291 has been truly impressed with it. I did a pretty extensive search about a year ago and made my choice. I have not regretted it and even though I continue to play new horns when I get the chance, I have yet to find one that can be used in as many places.

[ai698]

Thanks for the replies. Cameron knows what horn I want and even though picking a tuba is suppose to be my choice, regardless of cost, I do want a second or third choice if the funds aren't available for that tuba.

[cjk]

Doc (who'd probably get the 2155)

That's a switch.

your need for durability

It's a tuba not a bulldozer.

Get a flight case. If it were me in your situation, the requirement of a flight case would be of greater importance than the choice of the models on your list.

[ai698]

the requirement of a flight case would be of greater importance than the choice of the models on your list.

I should have mentioned this earlier, but from now on when we order any large instrument, an Anvil or a similiar case will come with it

[Paul S]

Thanks for the replies. Cameron knows what horn I want and even though picking a tuba is suppose to be my choice, regardless of cost, I do want a second or third choice if the funds aren't available for that tuba.

If you have talked to Cameron all I could add is a little more fuel on the fire. The PT-606 GR-41 is stout and extremely well made in addition to being a fantastic sounding horn. I love mine more and more each day. It simply makes me sound far better than I am.