Mack Brass YCB 621 clone review/w 5th valve/14" and 16" bell

[Rivercity Tuba]

I visited Mack Brass today and had the opportunity to play both versions of the 5 valve YCB 621 clone, with the 14” bell and the 16” bell. After a couple of minutes on the horn I was able to get comfortable. I will say it is an excellent and easy playing horn. The sound differences with the bells was interesting to the point that I am going to get the 16” bell to put on my Yamaha YFB 621.


On the 14” bell you had a sound that was louder and was all core. The 16” bell sounded more resonant with a more refined balanced sound, more like a B&S Symphony. I think each bell will serve a purpose, the 14” bell was more soloistic and will cut through any ensemble, while the added resonance of the 16” bell was ideal for ensemble/quintet playing.


With either bell this little CC tuba was a fine horn and worth looking at, the 5th valve makes the horn very versatile. Build quality seems quite good.

[KKORO]

I couldn`t find any info on the MackBrass site. Which horns are you refering to?

[Rivercity Tuba]

I couldn`t find any info on the MackBrass site. Which horns are you refering to?

Here is a link to a tubenet page about the horn with videos of Tom playing it.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=90173" target="_blank" target="_blank

[MackBrass]

I couldn`t find any info on the MackBrass site. Which horns are you refering to?

As soon as i have some time i will be posting a few side by side videos. These videos will be done in a recital hall so i can hopefully capture the difference.

The more i play these tubas the more i am amazed at how good the pitch is. The tuba slots very well but i am finding that there is no need to push or pull slides on the fly, something i have never been able to do on any CC before.

[Rivercity Tuba]

Here are some pictures from Tom.
Pic 1 Bell comparison
Pic 2 14" bell
Pic 3 16" bell

The more I play this horn, the more I like it. Even though I have the Yamaha YFB 621 F tuba I am considering getting this. The more I play it the more I like it. If looking for a solid 3/4 tuba CC this very well may be the answer for you. Left click on the picture to view full size, at least I am able to on my PC

[Rivercity Tuba]

here is one more pic.

[Bill Troiano]

Tom, will they also offer a 4 valve version of the large bell CC?

[MackBrass]

Tom, will they also offer a 4 valve version of the large bell CC?

Hi Bill

I dont think i will be offering a 4v large version of this.If there is a concern about the horn and more resistance with the 5th valve, i haven't seen any.

[Douglas]

How about one in f?

[MackBrass]

How about one in f?

There is a piston F in the works, I can't say right now what we have coming but I guarantee it will be great.

[TubaofGilman]

Just a quick question. Is this tuba to be more geared towards chamber and brass band?
Or is it to be used more for solo work?