Wessex Berg F VS Schiller Frankfurt F

[eupho]

HAs any one had the opportunity to compare these two F tubas? Granted their designs are different. I am wondering how they compare from a playing standpoint. I am a ways from the mid-west.

[bisontuba]

Hi-
Haven't played the new 6v Schiller, but own the Berg. Sweet tuba. Have used in quintet & it is great
I am outside of Buffalo....if you want to drive over and try it, let me know.
Mark

[Ken Crawford]

If it needs 6 valves it's only because the intonation is too wonky with only 5.

[Ken Crawford]

You're kidding...yes?

Yes I was kidding... while simultaneously baiting you into giving a long explanation of tuba physics.

[PaulMaybery]

My typing is fast as well, having taken typing in HS even before IBM "Selectric." Oops!! almost forgot my point.

My first and previously only other F was a MW 6 popper that I tried out and bought from Getzen in 1970. Darn good horn for the time. I never really got used to ever using the 6th valve and always used it like a Yankee with a flat whole step on the 5th. Made for a nice alternate trill fingering from Db to Eb in the piccolo part to "Stars and Stripes" which I played probably 500 times in public.

Somehow I found a way to make the low register work in tune, either by pulling or lipping. Eventually that all transferred to the 1234 & 5th (thumb) all right hand that I and many other Americans use these days.

Perhaps my simple little mind could not handle "adult fingerings" in the low register so basically after 4 & 5 for low Bb, I would just finger everything with a half step more tubing as I decended. I think I did mash all 6 down for low G flat, but I could have gone with 1234 & 5 and a little lipping or pull the 4th slide. No big deal.

As it sit each day with the tuner on as I play low studies, I am reminded at how much the chops and ear come into play when centering on those very low pitches. If I am sloppy I can be close to 50 cents off either way, which means if I am careful and listen I can play right on the money.

Just sayin' ...

PM

[eupho]

HAs anyone out there played the Schiller Franfurt 6 valve?

[PaulMaybery]

Bloke. I should have met you 40 years ago. But we do digress and some fellow wants to know about the Shiller F.

[Michael Bush]

I'm pretty sure the Schiller is made by the North Korean army, because of its "Authoritative projection with vociferous low end sub tones..."

No doubt it also delivers merciless blows of death to its enemies.

[PaulMaybery]

Is that Frankfurt am Main or Frankfurt an der Oder, or yet Frankfurt on the Yellow River? Or is it more likely Frankfurter on der Bun? Sorry - couldn't resist.

[bort]

^
*Groan*