Posted by Kendall Prinz on January 02, 2001 at 00:27:39:
In Reply to: F Tubas??? posted by Brad on January 01, 2001 at 22:25:37:
German horns aren't necessarily harder to play in tune, (as Joe S. explains) The main difference (and decision to be made when purchasing) is in tone quality. The "German horns" such as B&S and Meinl Weston have a very distinctive sound. Likewise horns like Yamahas have a different tonal characteristic. I personally prefer the sound of German horns, but you should make up your own mind. Try out different horns and decide which sound suits your taste. Listen to different recordings of pros that you know play on the horns you are considering. This will give you an idea of what you are looking for.
If you are worried about the low range on the F tuba, You might want to check out the Meinl Weston 45slp. I have played on the B&S PT15 and currently own the MW45slp. This horn seemed to have a little better response in the low range. BOTH ARE VERY GOOD HORNS, AND ALL RANGES OF BOTH INSTRUMENTS ARE COMPLETELY DO-ABLE. In the end you are the one who has to play the horn. You should get one you like.
Kendall Prinz