Posted by dp on May 27, 2002 at 17:11:40:
In Reply to: Conn 56J posted by Patrick on May 27, 2002 at 14:46:57:
If I had 5500-6K that I was going to spend on a new tuba,
AND I wanted piston valves, AND I wanted a CC,
(and if I didn't have a really great PT4p)
I would likely go for the MW2145 before I went for the Conn.
IF I were considering other piston CC's at the price range you have
I would certainly try a Gronitz PCM from Low Brass Werks in California
before I bought a 2145.
Why? I prefer the larger bore-size of the 2145 and PCM,
the Gronitz is pretty much hand-built (a FABULOUS horn for the money)
and the MW2145 has been out for a while now and the bugs in production
and design of this more assembly-line horn have been worked out.
Quality of the workmanship from both the MW factory and Gronitz shop
is outstanding, and from what I have heard (mainly here) the factory that produces
the Conn tubas has known process variations that might affect parts of the horn
I could not inspect (like depth/consistency/cleanliness of solder in ferrules,
burrs, etc)
Finally, if I were into rotors,
no contest I'd get a silver Miraphone 186 or a goldbrass 188.