BMB 6/4

[Ethan M]

I'm still in school, but I use mine (the CC version) in the university wind ensemble, and sometimes the tuba-euph ensemble. I doubt most of my thoughts on it are anything that hasn't already been written out elsewhere on the forum--I remember reading about them before I purchased mine--but I will say this: I can't use mine without a tuba rest. After I bought the horn, I used it without one for a few weeks, but before long I had some fairly intense back pain. I think it depended on what type of chair was available in a given rehearsal or practice space; it was fine with some, not with others, but I bought a BBC tuba rest, and haven't had any issues since. I'm sure that isn't a universal problem--for someone of a different height/build, it might not be an issue. I talked quite a bit with another forum member who plays one before I bought mine; he had a ton of useful insight. I'm sure he'll see this, so I won't try to speak for him. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions!

Overall, I'm happy with the horn; it works well for what I use it for. I had the valves realigned a few weeks back, and I had my tech vent the first valve while it was in the shop. Playing it in a full ensemble is a lot of fun... carrying it around, not so much!

[Tubadork]

The BBb is really a fantastic tuba. Great sound and response. Intonation is quite good.
LMK if you have a specific question about it.
Thanks,
B

[chronolith]

I owned a 6/4 CC and liked it very much. I agree with others that it can be a beast to hold and play. My solution was to get the leadpipe moved down quite a bit and attach a sousaphone bit to it. It puts the bottom bow at a more comfortable height for me and also angled the horn around better for getting a hold of it in your lap. Even after that it was a handful, but worth the edit. Also be sure to check the threading on the valve caps carefully before you buy.

I tried a few before I bought and found that there is some variance in intonation and ease-of-play note slotting (enough to make choosing the best one quite easy). The one I bought was very responsive and nicely in tune with the exception of the usual spots we are used to for slide pulling. The low register is not as plug and play as a Thor or other pricey tuba options, but it is definitely there if you work on it and your fundamentals are solid. High register is surprisingly nice and easy, but keep a tuner nearby if you find yourself struggling with the range. It won't thank you for that. Again, minimum fundamentals.

Be ready to work on how it sits in your lap, plenty of get to know you time, and it will reward you. It's every bit the BAT as the other options in the right hands and properly configured.

[Lectron]

6/4 BBb:

1st impression was rather mediocre. Both playing and build qualety.
Didn't really respond very "secure"
Plating was obviously VERY thin.
Manageable intonation.
Valves GOOD!

I worked with different leadpipes. Threshold for doing so was very low
as there were a damage on the original one.

A small radius bend just before the valve cluster has for me proven to be a rather poor idea.
I also tried different tapers. It end up preforming pretty much just what I'd ask for but despite it having
a very accessible low register compared to other similar 345 type horns, the wanting for easier play down there and an independent 5th has made me move toward a different tuba. The poor plating and the mods took some joy out of owning the instrument though it ended up being a very good player.

[Lectron]

6/4 BBb:

...A small radius bend just before the valve cluster has for me proven to be a rather poor idea.
I also tried different tapers. It end up preforming pretty much just what I'd ask for but despite it having
a very accessible low register compared to other similar 345 type horns...

By trying different tapers are you talking about replacing the leadpipe or modifying the angle of the existing one?

Radius of bend, start diameter and how many % taper before reaching valve bore.
And yes...New leadpipes.
Here's one of the later pics and pretty much how it ended up.
Note the 1st circuit not being parallel with the other tubing.
Inspecting the valve alignment, I noticed a deformation on one of the knuckles
from the valve cluster into the MTS. The factory MUST have noticed this when building it.

As mentioned....turned out very acceptable indeed, but too many flaws to "wanting" to own it.
With a limited customer support, I just didn't take the chance.

[LCTuba89]

I pretty much agree with what everyone is saying here. The BBb version is amazing compared to the CC, but don't expect to be completely point and shoot like say a King 2341. The tone and response on my horn is second to none, but better expect to push in on 1st when going for the 5th partial and use the 3rd valve for 3rd partial D. I tried both the CC and BBb before buying and the CC felt like a toy compared to the BBb. The BBb is a monster in terms of size, weight, and tone even compared to it's CC counterpart. The BBb 5 valve version is built a bit different than it's 4 valve version. In particular the 4 valve version has a shorter 4th valve slide that is likely for tuning the 2nd partial notes easier in the lower register.