Meinl Weston 18 "Handy"

The Jackson · Post by **The Jackson** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:53 pm

What do you guys think of this horn? I played one a few weeks ago and loved it very much. It pumped sound like a healthy blood vessel and the size and weight was amazing. It slotted beautifully (especially compared to the VMI 2103 I played that same day).

People who own it, what do you do with it? What do you not do with it?

Any input would be very much appreciated!

-Jackson

van · Post by **van** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:58 am

I own one and have played it in a community band for the past three years. I'm a 69 year old player (strictly amateur) and I bought it for its smaller size in recognition of developing physical limitations. I'm happy with the horn and have learned to adapt to a flat 5th partial which seems to be the only noticeable intonation problem to my ear. I love the high range but wish it had a little more presence down low (but that may be the player's limitation). When I'm the only tuba in a 45 piece band I sometimes wish I had something bigger.

KevinMadden · Post by **KevinMadden** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 12:14 pm

Have you given thought to what you are doing after graduation (a bit of a way away I see)? I ask because my experience with the Handy (I never owned one, but the other tuba major of my year at Ithaca came with one his freshman year) is that it is too small to try and be a college kid's lone axe. but would be a decent chamber group axe later down the line.
(disclaimer)
IMO, FWIW, YMMV