Posted by Christian Klein on June 09, 2002 at 17:09:48:
In Reply to: Built like a tank posted by Tim C on June 09, 2002 at 14:30:34:
Cervenys tend to be made of softer brass than most.
Rose brass is softer than yellow brass.
I understand that Alexanders have the tendency to be not well assembled.
I think B&S rotors are not as well made as most of the other brands mentioned.
I believe B&S and Meinl-Weston both use the same piston valve sets since they are part of the same company.
Mirafone has the reputation for making the best rotory valves, but I hate them. they bounce too much and fit too well.
My Rudolf Meinl is very well made. Comparing it to the Cerveny piggy it replaced, the Rudy's build like a Volvo with the Cerveny being more of a Isuzu. ( I am of course biased here ).
Since most tubas are made from brass and brass is a soft alloy relative to others, any tuba you buy will be easy to dent. Get used to it. Carry it around in a hard case if you are worried about it.
My Rudy (before it was mine) fell off the back of a truck. The owner's insurance company totalled it. Some infamous brass repairman guy in Memphis acquired the remains and rebuilt it. If you saw the horn, you'd never know that happened to it.
I dunno if that's a tribute to the quality of Rudolf Meinls or to the quality of ye unnamed master repairman's work. I suspect both.
Christian