Posted by dp on September 06, 2002 at 05:29:05:
In Reply to: 6/4 tubas (I know I know..archives..but posted by Tubaguy on September 05, 2002 at 17:01:31:
by far the best of the bunch for the money new is the Gronitz PCK,
but with very limited availability it may not be immediately
obtainable. Call LowBrassWerks and ask about it.
Of the others, its pretty much a coin-toss as to
"betterness" - the Nirschl costs twice what the Gronitz does,
and nearly twice what the others you mentioned are goin for.
Also I'm told there is a lot a variation btw the VMI and 2165 tubas in stock
at the various outlets in the states right now.
Large Grand Orchestral tubas are a) not an investment to be taken lightly
and b) NOT the type of horn you can play-test in an hour and then choose "what's best for you." ESPECIALLY with these CSO York-inspired horns, while first impressions are important, your second and third impressions over a bit of time are far more important in what determines what will work "for you."
f.w.i.w.
Have you considered used horns? Rotary-valved horns? already own other (albeit smaller) horns?