I think on something like the Mammoth, shallower is more ideal as it’ll help control the natural woofiness of a big tuba.

You might consider just buying another Miraphone mouthpiece, or, maybe consider something from the Robert Tucci line. Everything is like $100 and they come in many sizes. I like ...

Awesome! We need more people willing to do that work.

Looks like we’ll have to remake it here

Southwest was REALLY good when I flew with my previous Tuono. Security let me handle it so they could check it out and all that, I got priority boarding, a bunch of questions, etc.

I would certainly not fly if they told me to check it, and I would be that person to make a big fuss at the gate if ...

You’re right that you will need a very specific buyer for this tuba. I think that pool would be even smaller with a 6th valve, even as cool and nice as it would be.

Most people “just deal” with 5v imperfect intonation. I don’t think a 6th valve would make it any more desirable than it already is ...

Hey, long time no see in this thread! I've been busy collecting parts for my 2165, getting that valve work done to my F tuba, and Keith had another tuba in his queue before this Holton resurrection, but now we're finally able to proceed with this huge project.

Earlier today, Keith stripped the ...

Love the 3400C, but the big 3400 is also really really good. To answer some of your questions:

1) Absolutely it will hold value better than those brands.

2) F’s are in tune

3) Also in tune although all 5 pedal E will warrant a slide pull

4) Yes

5) Yes

6) Pull the slides and dump.

7) Yeah, the ...

I have that exact piston C marked Bohm & Meinl. I’d bet the BBb version is better in tune. Those are good horns that will make somebody very happy.

To be honest, I’d have the valves rebuilt. If you’ve owned this thing for as long as in your signature, I think you owe that horn some love. You can’t find anything really like it anymore.

That said, getting into a modern Eb may not be the worst idea - They’ll likely be more in-tune. If it were ME ...

I use mine all the time in Brass Band and very occasionally in my big concert band. I don’t play it nearly as much as my CC but it’s second for sure.

Torpedo has done us a great service in taking over Glenn's company. I'm willing to wait for a bag, but I do agree that whole "rush" thing is weird. Hoping when my 345 is done I'll order a bag for it and won't have to wait a super long time. Time will tell.

Like I said, the SINGLE best upgrade for any of those 21XX tubas. I'm so happy you finally had that done and have a killer instrument in your hands! It really made a world of difference with my horn, and it sounds like yours too.

Love me a Rudy. Looks like a nice pair you got there!!

I’d bet they built the 1st/3rd slides long to compensate for those low C’s and B’s. My Holton was like that. Once I cut the 1st slide on my bell front, that C will be good.

I didn’t know they even offered that “rush” charge. FWIW, there are several stores now with bags in stock, but you’re limited to what they have and you don’t get to pick your color.

I ordered mine last year I think, and it was about a 16 or 18 week wait if I remember correctly. But that 20% off ...

A note about the valve springs:

In all my Willson tubas, the springs are too heavy. You could get a set of Yamaha springs that will considerably lighten up the action. They’re like $20 on Amazon.

Sounds like you got a GREAT instrument. The case thing, since it’s a relatively new model, Cronkhite ...

I LOVED the Merlin I played recently. I think you made an excellent choice. Congratulations!

Was this the one at Buddy Roger’s? That’s the one I played.

The Mammoth - probably a few grand depending on condition. If it needs a valve job, but is in okay condition otherwise, maybe $1,500? If it doesn’t, maybe double that, $3,000 in reasonable cosmetic shape.

The Alex F - Hard to say as they’re so rare. I’d be willing to pay up to maybe $7,000 for a ...

@Mary Ann I didn't play test any BBb's. Sorry!!

Depends on what you like. I’d keep the Gnagey either way. It is more of a contrabass tuba than the 184.

Big piston F tubas will sound more similar to that Gnagey, but they will be nearly identical, if not a little bigger, than a 184. They’ll play great in the low register but will run out of gas ...