Favorite tubas at MidWest?

[bisontuba]

For those who attended MidWest, what were your favorite tubas tried out from the vendors?

[Dan Tuba]

John Packer EEb
Wilson 3400 EEb
Miraphone Siegfried BBb
Meinl Weston 3450 CC

[ATschetter]

Willson 3400 EEb and the smaller version especially.

[jtuba]

MW 3450
Miraphone Bell Canto Solo
Miraphone Haugen 5/4

[j1007hc]

Miraphone Bel Canto F!!!!
Miraphone Siegfried BBb!
Big Mouth Brass 6/4 BBb!!!!
John Packer CC!!
John Packer F! (GREAT low range!)
B&S MRP F!

[tyrell1111]

I definitely enjoyed playing the Willson 3400 and the more compact one (CS3400). Marty Erickson, the person who helped design that particular model actually came over and talked to me while I was playing it; a nice added perk. I would definitely pick one up if I had the chance... and an extra $11,000 or so...

[cbettler]

I was working at Midwest this year, and unfortunately did not get much time to play test. I only made it to the Adams, BMB, and Buffet Group booths:

Adams: Both the CC and F tubas were great players! The F in particular was exceptional, gorgeous sound, easy scale, and fun to play. The CC also had a great scale and was easy to play.

BMB: Barely had any time to stop here, and I really only made it to try the 6/4 CC for a friend who is considering buying. I tried the 6/4 CC four years ago, and it seems to have vastly improved from then. I remember liking it okay, but there were definitely some deal breaker issues. The one they had this year was much better, and I think it is a reasonable choice for someone who wants a big CC, but does not have a big budget. I really wish I had gotten to play the 6/4 BBb!

Buffet: I tried everything they had. I am not a fan of the B&S F tubas, and was not excited about what they had this year. None were bad at all, just not my taste. I really wish there had been a 2250. I love those horns! But I guess those probably sell themselves...the rotory PT-6 was a great tuba, and still very much something I would recommend to anyone. Then I played the MRP. Wow! This was the first one I have ever played, and I was very impressed. All the great qualities of the PT-6, with all the drawbacks overcome or tweaked! I cannot get over the response, and how solid the low range was! Plus the high range really sings. Great tuba! But my absolute favorite horn of the show (that I got to try) was the Meinl Weston Ursus. That horn was amazing! I loved the tone quality, and the projection was brilliant. I found it super responsive, and the low range was massive, while also capable of delivering a good bark if needed. I really wish I had money for one!

Mouthpieces: While at the Buffet booth, Mr. Perantoni was gracious enough to run me through several of his new Mr. P line. I wasn't initially all that interested, as I am very familiar with PT mouthpieces, having used several for years. Try them! Mr. Perantoni has tweaked almost all the designs. The 8.8 was as big as my PT-88 that I've used for years, but with a modified rim that improved response and made high register playing much easier, without sacrificing the big, easy low end that the 88 does so well. I definitely recommend checking them out if you haven't yet!

Overall, I left feeling that more great tubas are available than ever, and I am grateful to all the companies that displayed their wares. I wish I had gotten over to Miraphone, Willson, and anyone else I missed. But if this was any preview of the Army conference, the "elephant room" promises to be a blast! (Pun fully intended)

Chris Bettler