Posted by Tim C on August 10, 2002 at 11:40:47:
In Reply to: Hand Made? posted by ahmnon on August 10, 2002 at 10:22:47:
Hi there,
I was once very interested in this topic also, I know Rudolf Meinl tubas are still hand -built, old Hirsbrunners used to (70's) hand build tubas but no longer do so. Walter Nirschl York model is also handmade. I also heard B&S tubas are handbuilt too.
The difference? to me, handbuilt tubas have sweeter response, more resonant tone and better flexibility. I have played some 70's vintage rotary Hirsbrunner CC tubas (several HB-2, HB-6), compare to a Hirsbrunner I had at the time, I prefer the vintage Hirsbrunners. Also played a Rudy 3/4 CC, it was even more flexibile.
Why different? well, I suppose during the manufacturing process, handmaking a horn can help avoiding certain process that will create "tension" to the metal, less tension in the metal makes the tuba more "relaxed" and resonates better. Also cutting can be another factor, it's amazing how much difference it makes how they cut the sheet of metal and put them together..
Those are my observations, please correct me if I'm wrong!
Tim