Posted by Tony E on October 08, 2003 at 21:52:46:
In Reply to: Re: Meinl-Weston 'Fafner' horn posted by Mick on October 08, 2003 at 19:38:06:
"makes a sound that would not be suitable for most situations unless you want to sound like a bull in a china shop".
You must have played a Fafner that was very different than the one I played. I played Dr. Keating Johnson's horn, which, in the archives, you'll see he describes as having a very "soloistic" sound.
I did not experience the Fafner as a "bull in the china shop" horn suited only for the Ring Cycle, etc. Although it is a 5/4 tuba, I think the tight, focused, close to the bell sound of the Fafner is a good musical fit in any setting where a 4/4 contrabass could be used. I found the Fafner could really rumble if you pushed it, but it could also be suprisingly intimate.
I don't think Keating was a lone voice on the "soloistic" sound of the Fafner. I know one HIGHLY accomplished first call player who considered a Fafner for his sole contrabass and main axe.
Just my experience.
Tony "who thinks players, not tubas, make music" E