Posted by Howard Read on April 09, 1999 at 23:25:37:
In Reply to: Cerveny 681-5MR and 601-5MR vs. Miraphone 188-5V posted by Chris on April 09, 1999 at 20:46:32:
Chris,
According to my Brasswind catalog the Cerveny 601-5MR is $5195, has almost a 20" bell, and a fairly sizeable bore (.835"). I owned and played one of these for a year or so and was delighted with its large orchestral capabilities. Although it had very nice pianissimos, I used it mainly for the bigger works like Tchaikowsky, Mahler, R. Strauss, etc. I believe Jay Bertolet has previously stated on this BBS that he hauls out his 601 when he needs a big gun. (I sold my 601 because I also owned a Meinl Weston CC, and I did not need two tubas. A guy gave me a great price on the MW and I then bought a Mirafone S-186 CC which I like very much.) At any rate, I loved that 601. I found it to be a very big horn physically, and a bit heavy to hold and carry.
I have not tested a Cerveny 681-5MR. It is a smaller horn than the 601. Its bore is .795" and the bell is
15 3/4" according to the Brasswind catalog. It sells for $3995. The Mirafone 188-5U is $2000 more expensive than the 681, and measures out at .770" and 17 3/4".
Were I to make a decision amongst these three tubas today, I would unhesitatingly go for the moderately priced Cerveny 601-5MR. It's a lot of horn for your money.