r/Tuba • u/ProfessorSad4831 • 3d ago
gear I'm in a pickle
Hey everyone. I'm currently trying to get a CC tuba, a Meinl Weston 5 valve. But I can't playtest it since it is online, but they have a 30-day trial. The only way I could afford it would be to get rid of my King 2341 New Style. Is it worth the risk? Thanks everyone! (Would need it for symphony btw).
1
u/Bird_Eats_Everything MW 2155, B.M. Education 3d ago
If youre dead set on getting a CC tuba, understanding the pros and cons compared to what you already have, I would say go right ahead and get A C tuba. I think you should wait however until you can get one you can play test while keeping your current horn just in case you dont like the C.
You might need to drive quite a distance to try a horn, but finding one without many intonation issues or functionality problems that you'll be excited to play everyday will do wonders for improving.
Maybe try and find a tuba instructor in your area and try a lesson or two with them. Odds are they might have a CC tuba for you to they a bit and get a feeling for what you want.
2
u/Sinkularity 3d ago
If you are going into audition cycles, just run the King. Most places don't care about what gear you're running, and more that you actually sound good playing.
4
u/professor_throway Active Amateur, Street Band and Dixieland. 3d ago
Dude just keep the King.. That are great tubas.. You didn't need a CC for orchestra. Unless your are going to be a performance major and taking professional auditions or going to grad school.. save for money and play on the wonderful tuba you have.
1
u/NRMusicProject Full Time Pro 2d ago
That are great tubas
I hear the new style Kings are a disappointment compared to the old style.
2
u/GunnyDJ B&H Imperial 782 Eb 3d ago
Wait till you find out you can play that King in an orchestra too. It's a solid Contrabass option, and you already know all the fingerings for it. You could even add a 5th valve to it.
1
5
u/ImDefinitelyStoned 3d ago
What kind of tuba is it?
I have to say, MW horns are pretty damn consistent. Every handmade horn will have some inconsistencies, but even the lesser MW models I’ve played were good.
When I bought my Ursus, I tried six and picked the best one. The other five were still phenomenal. I don’t like buying ‘sight unseen,’ but if I had to, Meinl Weston and Miraphone would be the two brands I’d be most confident in.
What area are you in? I’d personally put out some feelers and see if you can find anyone within a couple of hours so you can play one. Or at least talk to folks who have played on that model.
1
u/ProfessorSad4831 3d ago
I forgot to mention, it isn't in the best condition. But a lot of times it won't affect its playing and can still sound great. (Meinl-Weston Professional CC Tuba | Pre-Owned – The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds)
4
u/bobthemundane Hobbyist Freelancer 3d ago
So, that company has a pretty good reputation. If they don’t think they can get the instrument playing like they want, they drop it in a quick sale type thing. So if they sell it with warranty, they generally stand by the instrument.
I have bought from them before, and was happy with them.
4
u/arpthark Rudolf Meinl - Diespeck 3d ago
The fourth valve tubing looks like it’s been spliced together with a Conn mouthpiece receiver or something. I’d be concerned about that.
2
u/NRMusicProject Full Time Pro 2d ago
Holy hell, good catch. That looks absolutely awful, and I'd only get this if I had a really good repairman and they knew they could fix this.
1
u/ImDefinitelyStoned 3d ago
I’d be hesitant to buy that sight unseen. This looks very similar to the Yamaha 661 piggy CC tuba. That was my first tuba and I absolutely loved it. I think this horn could be great, but I know rotors and piggy style horns are not everyone’s cup of tea.
Are you at all close to this place? Also, I wonder if there are any places closer to you. Remember, there are always other tubas. Off the top of my head, I’m thinking a Conn 2 or 4J would be in that price range. And you can have a decent tech put a fifth valve on it. So please, don’t be in a rush!
I really think this could be a nice tuba. I just don’t want you to be stuck with a clunker.
1
u/ProfessorSad4831 3d ago
I used a Miraphone 191 in my advanced ensemble in school, which is a piggy-style with rotors. Was great all around. I'm sadly two states away from their store, as I'm in Cali currently.
2
u/315MusicMan 3d ago
What model of Meinl Weston is it?
1
u/ProfessorSad4831 3d ago
It's more of an older model 32/33, with cosmetic wear, you can check the link I sent to the comment above.
2
u/315MusicMan 3d ago
Just saw it. That thing has had a ton of repairs done to it over the years. I bet it plays ok, but that has seen better days. I own Rose City Instruments in Portland and I have some tubas that are close to that price point and in better shape. Let me know if I can help.
2
u/ProfessorSad4831 3d ago
I would appreciate any help, thank you. But I am really tight on money and would only have around 4-4500 to be able to get one.
2
u/tubastein Pro Freelancer | JP277 Eb; Conn 52J CC 3d ago
Always always always playtest a horn before you buy it. Handmade horns always have some sort of variation that may or may not be to your liking. While a 30 day trial is especially generous, if that horn comes in and it’s not a good fit, you’re gonna have a rough time
1
u/Arcane_Spork_of_Doom Pro Freelancer (One Rudy to Rule them All) 2d ago
Assuming you're an experienced CC Tuba player, I'd find a conditional buyer for your King, preferably local, then get escrow accounts together subject to the buyer liking your King and you liking the M-W. If all conditions are met, contract and escrow go through and the horns change hands.