Good evening everyone,
Got to visit the Buffet Crampon group in Jacksonville with my freind and coworker Arthur today to try some Meinlweston and B&S tubas while he played the French horns. My two favorite tubas were the Meinlweston Urus and Meinlweston Tuono(rotary version of the Thor).
The Urus had a lot of balls and felt like a 4/4 on steroids. Meaning the low range was very punchy but alot of fun. The horn itself did have some weight to it and I was surprised of how heavy it was despite being compact. The ride and fountains were no problem and echo the sentiment of sounding like a small version of the Bear. I enjoyed the middle and high range on this tuba the most. The Urus sings throughout its range. One could defintly hold their own in any situation with this tuba.
The Tuono won hands down as one of the best tuba I have ever played. I have never played a tuba that has a effortless low range, easy blowing, or clearer sounding. Nothing is lost on this tuba and every articulation comes out clear and well defined. The low Bb and F and Eb below it are earth shattering. The tunono can take so much and was still asking for more. The Ride, fountains and Bruckner sound great on this tuba.
If you are in the market for a large CC rotary tuba look no further. This tuba blows the PT6 rotary version or any other tuba for that matter out of the water. My only complaint is with how the slides are set up it makes it difficult to pull slides while playing. Not a bad day at the office.
Btw I am accepting donations for the Zach wants a new tuba fund...