Greetings!
It has come time for me to sell my CC.
TL;DR version: Silver Meinl Weston 5450 "Thor" for sale w/ gig bag included for $10,000.
General Information
Brand: Meinl-Weston (Melton)
Model: 5450 "Thor"
Size: 5/4
Finish: Silver
Valves: 4+1 (4 pistons + 1 thumb activated rotor
Bore: .748"/.807"
Bell: 17.75" *
Height: 38.8"
For More info, see MW's THOR page.
* This is an "original bell" THOR. The THOR was first introduced with a 17.75" inch bell. Some time later, after the horn had been successful and very popular, Meinl Weston decided to increase the bell flare to 18.9". I think there's a thread or two somewhere on here about the bell change. The general consensus (as I recall) was that the extra inch doesn't make any significant differences from the original version.
Horn-Specific Information
Manufacture Date: 2008. This horn was bought from WWBW in summer 2008. I visited and tried 8 different THORs and this one won out. I have been the only owner.
Repairs: Only one repair to consider. A corner of the bell was slightly crinkled in 2013. Mike Morse (Tuba Exchange) rolled the bell out and did a great job. If you're up close you can tell a change in the finish where the repair was done, but it isn't noticeable from a distance. [I highly recommend Morse if you're in Central NC, BTW]
Condition: Great overall! Aside from the aforementioned bell damage (which has been repaired) the only other things are a few small dings and scratches from normal wear and tear. Everything works. Oil changed every 3,000 measures.
Playing Characteristics
Horn Usage: It is a 5/4 CC, so orchestras and bands are its native habitat. It is big enough to hold its own in your big Romantic orchestral lit, but the quick response makes the horn agile enough to play in chamber settings. Pop in a small mouthpiece and play responsibly and the horn works great for quintets.
Response: Super easy and quick response. I really love the "blow" on THORs and there are few horns that have as good of a response.
Intonation: Great and reliable. No horn will always play perfectly in tune, but I find there isn't much adjustment to get close. On the occasion that you feel the need to push/pull a slide, they're all really easily accessible.
Tone: Sounds like a big 5/4 CC tuba when you want it to, sounds like smaller horn when you need it to. In general, I find THORs to be very responsive to the "gas you put in the tank." By that, I mean it is easy to change the timbre depending on your playing situation. You can blend with the bass trombone one minute and the double basses the next.
Gig Bag: Soundwear Bag. Comfortable, easily adjustable, super padded. Good condition overall. The only issue is that some of the zipper handles have come off, but zippers themselves still work fine.
Pictures: Link to IMGUR Album
I took these with my phone. If needed, I an snap some with a better camera.
Location and Logistics:
Horn Location: Greensboro, NC
Play-Tests: If you live within driving range, you are more than welcome to drive on up and give the horn a toot. If you live a little ways away, I'm willing to meet you halfway if you are seriously interested.
Trials: I would prefer not to lend the horn out on a trial, but I am willing to work with you if we can find an agreement.
Holds: The instrument will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis; no holds will be given.
Shipping: I would greatly prefer to hand deliver the horn at an agreed-upon location, but I am open to shipping the horn if the deal is contingent upon this detail. I am willing to drive to meet someone halfway (within reason). If shipping absolutely must happen, the buyer is responsible for the shipping costs.
Reason for selling: Honestly, I could use the funds and now seems like a logical time to part ways with the horn. I hate to part ways with the horn because I really love it, but it needs to be done.
Payment Details
New Price: $16,099 (WWBW) to $16,863 (Dillon)
Asking Price: $10,000 (OBO)
Price Includes: Tuba and Gig Bag.
Payment Details: Cash or certified check preferred. If you really want to use PayPal or another method, I am flexible as long as we can make it work.
Trades: I'm not necessarily looking to trade, but I may possibly be willing to trade for a horn plus cash. Make me an offer if you are interested.
Contact Information
Via TubeNet: Just reply to this thread or send me a PM. I'll try to check back every day.
Via Email: Robinson(.)Michael(.)B(@)Gmail(.)com [Remove the parenthesis]--Prefered method
Via Phone: PM or email me and I'll send you my number.
I tried to be thorough in this post, but if there is something I left out or you have a question, please feel free to contact me. Email is probably the best method, but I'll try to get back to you ASAP.
Thanks for looking,
Mike Robinson
