Got it now, thanks. I had noticed the difference before but didn't know what to call it. Based on that, my own stable has three bi-radials (20/21J, Mahillon, Marzan) and two exponentials (Alex, Sonora) and the helicon is probably exponential as well, given its intended function.Donn wrote:One of the early exponents of the exponential nomenclature goes by "Rick Denney". Here's a page on his site, with examples. York vs. Miraphone - Is There A Difference Between German-Style and American-Style Tubas?
Some years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to an excellent brass quintet, whose tubist was playing a Getzen G50 CC, a.k.a. Canadian Brass CB50 (which would be bi-radial). That was the first time I'd ever heard a tuba sound that seemed to be coming at me from all directions, essentially flooding the area with contrabass, and my first thought was "if I ever grow up, I want to sound like that". I realized that up to then I'd only played what I now know as exponential designs, and that this was a different enough design that I should probably look for one. Fortunately my wife is a fairly good sport as regards my musical pursuits
The YouTuba recordings in question have a definite soundstage, and the Nirschl York completely fills it up. The 197, however, is definitely louder to the right than to the left. Rick's article does a great job of explaining why.
And jtuba- well played!
