Posted by Sean Chisham on July 28, 1999 at 15:37:34:
In Reply to: Yamaha 641 posted by Doug G. on July 28, 1999 at 15:16:55:
I am not sure who did it first, but there is a general German BBb tuba wrap which is emulated by many manufacturers. The Yamaha 641, St Pete, Meinl Weston 25, Miraphone 186, and probably others. Some characteristics are a long leadpipe leading into 4 rotary valves then out to a main tuning slide which is angled to slide in parallel to the floor.
Although these tubas may look similiar, they all play very differently. You will notice the same thing in German rotary F tubas. The Miraphone, Meinl Weston, and B&S instruments share similarities to each other, and also to the BBb's by the way, but they also play very differently. Now that I think about it, I don't believe Yamaha even makes a rotary F tuba. I wonder what it would play like?
sean