Playing a piston tuba

josh_kaprun · Post by **josh_kaprun** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 1:51 pm

I've also noticed the difference between different brands of pistons. When I was at TMEA last year, I spent about 2 hours playing on various Eb horns and found that there were some that I just could not play on comfortably. Specifically, I remember not liking the MW (I don't remember the model) because of the tubing that served as a thumb-ring thing, which caused the pistons to be at a very akward angle for me. My hand was hurting after playing a single scale. The B&S was better. I really liked the big sound, but the pistons sat a little too low for me to be comfortable with. The Willson 3400S, on the other hand, I found to be the perfect horn for me. Not only did I like the sound, but the pistons were at the perfect for my hand. So, as soon as I get the money, you can be sure that I will be getting one of those.

Now don't get me wrong here, I am NOT dissing any of the horns I mentioned not liking. I have heard people say that they find the Willsons to be akward and the MWs to be great...as I'm sure you will find people who will say the same about Miraphone, Yamaha, etc. My point is that you just have to find the right horn for you...and remember, it is ultimately the player, not the horn.

tbn.al · Post by **tbn.al** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:12 am

[/quote]you did feel it was important to call me something like that to my face, I would quite swiftly whop your damned ***. [/quote]

He would too! He ain't real big, but he's kind of stringy and downright mean when disturbed.

SplatterTone · Post by **SplatterTone** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:00 am

Without a doubt, the best are Chinese rotors (Long live Barrington and Allora) ... lubricated with Greece grease ... although Grecian Formula keeps the horn looking young.
http://www.grecian-formula.com/

I will agree that rotors are more comfy, and the (usually) clear drainage path to the main tuning slide makes it easy to drain the waste by-products.