Posted by Tony Clements on March 16, 2001 at 19:40:38:
Arrived today. Without waxing poetic, these tubas are among the best f tubas I have played. I played them alongside my two Yamahas (822, 621) and the used B&S I have here as well as a 1970's vintage Mirafone 180. The sound was akin to the 822, with a little more presence. The low range is big and full and high b-flat (treble clef) just SINGS out of the horn. If you are in the markes for an F tuba, you should check these out. I have one in silver, one brass. The silver one is a bit 'brighter' than the brass one.
One odd thing, though. Herr Klein-Horst builds a rather peculiar 5th valve. In it's natural state, it is a tritone valve, low B with the 5th valve. The pipes can be rearranged to make it a 2-tone valve. As odd as it seems, it really makes sense. The low Gb above the pedal is played 145 and is very open compared to the 12345 that we usually have to use for that note.
If you are interested, give a call 408/377-3493.
Tony Clements