What would you consider the Best ORCHESTRAL F Tuba?

[Rick Denney]

I'm not very experienced in the way of F horns, but the favorite of mine that comes to mind is a Hirsbrunner that I played at the Florida All-state convention last year, one of Custom Music's display horns. Maybe I'm new to the F horn, but the sound out of that thing made me actually consider the price tag.

I have to agree. I tried a Hirsbrunner F being sold by Dave Fedderly a couple of years ago, and was profoundly impressed by it. I didn't check intonation in detail, but it was a joy to play.

But I would have had to sell all my other tubas to afford it. It was about 50% more expensive than the Willson.

Rick "who doesn't recommend it because of the price and limited availability" Denney

[Aaron Tindall]

That Hirsbrunner was my personal horn. I traded it in for my MW 2182. Chris Combest at U.Illinois now owns it and loves it from what I hear.

The sound and intonation on it was great. Alot of days I wish that I hadn't gotten rid of it, but for me the compact, CLEAN sound that I got on the 2182 was worth it. It all depends on what you are after I suppose.

Velvet Brown's personal HB is by far the best F tuba I have played. It is such a special horn that it is hard to describe, and one of a kind as it is a protype of the HB10-and 12 mixed together if I remember. It played very smoothly. I dont think she will be getting rid of it though!

Cheers,

Aaron