York top-action BAT

[Chuck(G)]

Having done this kind of work a time or two and hoping to soon wrap up yet another such project, I am compelled to state that this is complete nonsense. The conversion from top to front is a hell of a lot of mental as well as physical work.

Dan, I think you misread my drift. Compared to cutting, refitting, replating (and possibly trimming the bell), the top-to-front is just a piece of an already big job. No matter how you slice things, there are many dollars and hours involved in such a job.

As far as being a mistake, I'm not so sure. As a top-action BBb, it'll just be that--mostly doing, what--band duty or part of someone's collection? As a CC, it could see orchestral service.

At least I think Bob Rusk might disagree with your point of view.

...or so I think.

[Daniel C. Oberloh]

Hey Chuck,
Thanks for explaining.

As for cutting, Why does it need to be CC to be an orchestra horn? Did some one make a law I did not hear about?:? If it is a great BBb, converting to a CC will most probably deliver an okay or so-so CC at best, it is simply not worth the risk, in my opinion. Besids, Ther are plenty of works that lay on the BBb with ease, and a pro should be able to transpose with no problem, come on boys suck it up and deal!

I have had opportunities to play a number of cut horns and not one of them could hold a candle to my good ol HB-2P or Tony's BBb 345 Holton or even the BBb 6/4 York I reconfigured for a now retired orchestra player some time ago. I am sure Mr. Rusk has delivered some decent cut horns but to date I have not seen or played one that (in my opinion) was worth the risk. And with the old BBb 6/4 instrumets available going for much higher prices, I feel it is more sensible to leave them in BBb for those players looking for a nice orchestral quality American style, front action, .750 bore, 6/4 BBb,(breathe) which are almost impossible to find these days new, unless you can find a manufacturer in Europe that will build you one $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. You want a 6/4 CC that plays fantastic and is in tune and does all the things you need as a player? Simple, pick up the phone and order one. You play BBb? oh, sorry, we don't make those in 6/4. I have a line of folks looking for just that type of horn.

To some it may be nice to know that I have a number of folks waiting for there old Holtons and Yorks to be rebuilt and or converted, all staying in BBb of corse.

Been a long day, Its late, I'm tired, Time to shut down and go home.



Daniel C. Oberloh

Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
Seattle, WA
206.241.5767
www.oberloh.com

[Chuck(G)]

As for cutting, Why does it need to be CC to be an orchestra horn? Did some one make a law I did not hear about?:? If it is a great BBb, converting to a CC will most probably deliver an okay or so-so CC at best, it is simply not worth the risk, in my opinion. Besids, Ther are plenty of works that lay on the BBb with ease, and a pro should be able to transpose with no problem, come on boys suck it up and deal!

Dan, you don't have an argument from me, other than what the market will bear. CC and F command top dollar--and I've gotten this from high-school kids who think a tuba's not serious unless in one of those keys. I'm sure we've both seen some wonderful instruments passed by because they were in the "wrong" key.

That being said, I have a great Rusk-cut York CC with remarkable intonation. And it started out as a top-action instrument, but is now a 4+1 front-action model. Good cut horns do exist, although there are a lot of not-so-good ones.

[jacobg]

As for cutting, Why does it need to be CC to be an orchestra horn? Did some one make a law I did not hear about?:?

And as for cutting why does it need to be front action? Must be another law. What about all those British guys?

[UDELBR]

And as for cutting why does it need to be front action? Must be another law. What about all those British guys?

It does make a difference re: projection whether the audience is downrange or not. Upright valves dictate that you're pointing away from the paying customers (barring a bizarre seating scheme).

Wouldn't you rather deposit your resonant velvety goodness directly into the hall?

[Chuck(G)]

Wouldn't you rather deposit your resonant velvety goodness directly into the hall?

You mean we're ready for orchestral sousaphones?

[UDELBR]

You mean we're ready for orchestral sousaphones?

Heh; Joe was the pioneer with his fly helicon.

[windshieldbug]

Wouldn't you rather deposit your resonant velvety goodness directly into the hall?

You mean we're ready for orchestral sousaphones?

It is a little known fact that Berlioz often scored for two sousaphones, but since they hadn't been invented yet, he almost always settled for the ophicleides that were at hand!