PMEA/NafMe Tubas

[JasonV]

It was fun getting a chance to play some different horns this weekend at the PMEA/Nafme Conference in Pittsburgh. Here's the lineup:

Big Dollar Horn Booth: Buckeye Brass

MW 195 Fafner BBb (Handmade Rotor) It is hard to describe the sound of the horn at the bell was so high and there was a thousand other people playing, but felt like I expected- clear, easy & in tune throughout the range. Definitely too much horn for me with cold impacted lungs. But it was pretty cool playing a $25k horn. Kudos to Buckeye for bringing it.

BS PT6 CC I've played a couple of these and this was the nicest example. I can see why they're so popular and attractive.

BS MRP F Overall, I wasn't too impressed by this horn. It felt great in the hands and was pretty free-blowing, but the low register was nowhere near as clean and easy as my YFB 621. I scratched this one off the list of potential F replacements.

Besson/BS Booth

BS GR51 BBb Rotor 4/4 Easy, free blowing horn, but nothing too impressive.

BE 186 4 Rotor BBb 3/4 Size. This is a very interesting horn for the high school market. It played easier and cleaner throughout its range versus the intermediate Miraphone Bbs I've played.

Tuba Exchange

TE-2110L 4/4 BBb 4 rotors This was a great horn for the price ($2395) Free blowing and well in tune. They had the prototype on display.

Eastman

EBB 234 BBb 3-valve 3/4 Front action pistons This little horn was fun to play. Easy, in tune, clear. I can see us buying some for our elementary and middle schools.

EBB 562 BBb 4 rotor 4/4 Easy playing, great intermediate horn. I'd have to say, for the price, I was more impressed by the Tuba Exchange horn as they are about the same.

EBC632 CC 5 piston 4/4 This is the horn that I wanted to buy on the spot. Wow. My basis of comparison is a very good Miraphone 186 5u and this horn blew it away. I didn't want to stop playing it. High register, low register, definitive slotting, it had everything. I'd seriously consider flipping my 186 for one of these. And it begs the question of how good the 6/4 versions are...

I can see why there's such hype over Eastman horns.

[Pelagius]

I've tested the MRP F at Buckeye, and for the short time I played it I was testing intonation. It was very well in tune, down to within 5-10 cents out on the notes that were. I don't know if that means anything though.

[Three Valves]

I’d like to compare the TE 2110 with my Mack-o-clone...

[Buckeyebrass]

It was great talking to you at the booth, Jason! Glad you enjoyed the horns we were able to bring!