Posted by Lee Stofer on June 30, 2003 at 01:59:09:
In Reply to: Rudy Meinl F tuba posted by opinion on June 29, 2003 at 14:35:57:
I have played a number of Rudolf Meinl F tubas in the last 20 years. The 4/4 size F tuba is a RM1F41-5S or RM1F41-6S, depending upon whether it has 5 or 6 valves. The 5/4 F tuba is a RM1F43-5S or RM1F43-6S. The "41" and "43" designate the bell diameter in cm, and there is no F tuba from Rudolf Meinl with a 45 cm bell. The 45 cm bell (approx. 18 inch) is the standard bell diameter for the Rudolf Meinl 4/4 CC and BBb tubas.
Compared to either of the Rudi F tubas, I felt like the M-W45-SLP was a big, chunky, heavy F tuba that was essentially a cut-down version of a CC tuba. If that is what you want, that's great. The older Mirafone 181 F tuba is similar in size to the new Rudi F's, but the one I've played was inferior in tone, intonation and response. Mind you, the Mirafone was not a terrible tuba at all, but just isn't in the same league with the Rudi. I have only spent a brief time with the newer Mirafone F, which had a better tone, but it seemed to be harder to play with consistency.
Lee Stofer