Melton URSUS

[Bob Kolada]

It sorta looks like a kinda-3450 to me (whatever, a pimped out 3/4 PROFESSIONAL LIKE MOST PEOPLE MEAN PROFESSIONAL MEANING PISTON C would be interesting as there doesn't seem to be anything in that category), but I'm more angry that something called Ursus isn't a giant tuba.

[bort]

I'm sure since that's the case they're going to stamp around $15K on it starting out, just as a guess, and sure, I know people will pay it, it's just a lot for a horn. What should they cost? About 1/3 of what they do now, new, because I guarantee it doesn't cost that much to make one of them, but that's just how it is, the dollar isn't worth anything anymore.

I think $12k to $15k is a very appropriate price. Of course it doesn't cost $15k for them to *make* this tuba, there would be no profit and they'd be bankrupt. Not how you run a company for hundreds of years, as B&S has. You have to remember, that $15k price includes *everything*, including their materials, labor, other costs to produce, overhead, taxes, and then finally after all of that, profit. Honestly, I'd be surprised if they turn 1/3 of the price in profit on each horn.

Other things to consider:

-- You can bet that this is a VERY high quality product.
-- The market will support a price like this (compare to similar new horns, non Chinese).
-- Companies deserve to make profits.
-- Employees deserve to be paid fairly for skilled labor.
-- European tax rates (I think they're high? Can't remember... at the least, they aren't low)
-- A company like MW/B&S is going to re-invest in future R&D.
-- The company can leverage their name and reputation to demand a slightly higher price. That's just good business, and it's the benefit of being cool. They know who their customer base is, and frankly, it's not the $5k people.

If the basis of comparison is how much a good-quality Chinese tuba costs, then I think the same question should be asked -- how much SHOULD that cost? Honestly, it should cost more. There are real good reasons why the Chinese instruments cost what they do. And here's a hint -- it's not because they aren't built well.

[k001k47]

because I guarantee it doesn't cost that much to make one of them, but that's just how it is, the dollar isn't worth anything anymore.

Two points.

1) Don't speak about things you know nothing about (such as musical instrument manufacturing), as though you are an expert and involved in the field.

2) You may want to examine the current exchange rate Dollar / Euro before putting forth such uninformed claims.

Do you really expect this man to think rationally? He comma splices everywhere.

[eutubabone]

Well, one thing is for sure- he certainly received a lot of discussions and comments from the professionals and experts on this site

[EMC]

I want to see/hear a comparison of Mama Baer and Papa Baer side by side, that will really be the deciding factor for me. I don't really think I'd be interested in purchasing one though, not unless I end up selling a couple horns.

[cle_tuba]

Mr. Gerhard says:

"Test of baer model 3225 ursus 4/4 CC with alan in paris for use on mandarin and petruschka tonight."

"It is a 4/4 version of the 6450, actualy more than half. We' ll present it in october to the audience. Today was no 1's test with the orechestra. Went well !!"

Sr. Baer says:

The horn has the same big valve set as the other Meinl tubas made today. Tons of bottom end and serious punch. The clarity is really great. Within the section, you feel the depth of the horn without covering the trombones. Slide pulling as at a very minimum. This horn has much different tendencies from others I have. Set the first slide out a bit and most of the notes are almost all in the same place! I've never seen this on a C Tuba!
The new receiver is being used in the horn, so any mouthpiece will be no problem and you achieve the proper gap every time.
All is all, a wonderful instrument! To be able to take this horn into a concert with only a couple hours to get to know it, is quite astounding! I'm certain it will be on everyone's list! My hat is off to Meinl Weston!

Nice!!!

[bort]

Cool! I'll be interested to hear about it when more people get to try it. Now if MW would only make a 4/4 *rotary* horn...

When compared to this photo, it seems that both Alan and his tuba have BOTH shrunk!

[The Bone Ranger]

- Will the 3450 still be offered ?
- ...and the 2145 ?

It sure is curious. In a world where most companies seem to be streamlining their products, and giving less options, in order to simplify their manufacturing process, Meinl Weston seems to be bucking the trend.

Other than the familiar valve block, I doubt this horn shares many parts with other models.

Andrew

[EMC]

The new receiver is being used in the horn, so any mouthpiece will be no problem and you achieve the proper gap every time.

what does that even mean lol? Maybe I'm dense but that seems like an odd statement to me.

[cambrook]

I think the new tuba will have the same receiver as is currently fitted to the 6450, which has 3 inserts which screw into the outer receiver housing. This allows the player to choose between Euro, American or small old-English shank mouthpieces.