Posted by Leland on March 03, 2004 at 03:34:59:
In Reply to: Re: Military band instruments posted by Sean Chisham on March 02, 2004 at 14:16:50:
Mentioning the M16A2 reminds me of the one I've got checked out in my name at our armory. Last time I shot (and first since boot camp) was in December, and the next time may be three or four years away depending on how things work out. But, anyway, I "own" it until I check out of the Barracks, and every once in a while it'll be my job to give it a cleaning.
Last time I talked to Andy Carlson in the Navy Band (at least five years ago now), he told me that although the Navy bought several Hirsbrunners for their use, they didn't pick & choose which ones, so they had gotten less-than-stellar examples. The tubists preferred their own instruments after all.
I'd much rather use my own instrument at work, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.