POLL: Meinl-Weston model 2155/2000

[bloke]

[bloke]

I played many of both of these when I worked for brook mays. I really like both, but never thought the 2000 was worth the extra money

[bloke]

The most in-tune one that I ever played was a 2155, not a 2000.

[bort2.0]

The 2155 was originally advertised as Warren Deck's perfect quintet instrument. I'm not sure anybody believed that for a second except perhaps for Warren.

I almost bought one of these in 2005 as my first instrument, but I ended up buying a Miraphone 1291 instead. I thought both of them were very comparable instruments, except for the 1291 had a much easier low range for me. No real complaints about the 2155.

I think it's some combination of low production numbers and people that buy them keep them. I've known a couple people over the years who have had 2155, and they seem to hold on to them.

Don't forget the 2157 as well. Which is a very short-lived special version from Dillon music. I honestly don't remember what the difference was, but it was a special version that lasted only for a little while.

I wouldn't mind trying one of these again sometime.

[bort2.0]

Oh, and to answer your question. I think that this is such a classic tuba design... No frills, nothing fancy, just a very plain Jane kind of tuba that works. I think that lends itself to players who are the types to not want to switch to was a lot anyway. I've known a few people who have used the 2155, and they've all been pretty much no nonsense kind of people.

I don't know if that's "delighted by," but that's the closest option...

[matt g]

Good tubas.

I think a good number of 2155s were made. Good tubas for general purpose playing. Biggest drawback would be the big valve set, imo.

The 2000 felt a bit more alive than the 2155, but otherwise indistinguishable.

[russiantuba]

I haven't been able to play one, but how does the Ursus compare in this? I have only heard great things about the horn.

[matt g]

I haven't been able to play one, but how does the Ursus compare in this? I have only heard great things about the horn.

*edited*

IIRC, the 3450 is something of an evolution of the 2145 whereas the Thor (5450) is the evolution of the 2155/2000.

I think the 3225 is something of its own design based on the upper bow of the horn.

That being said, I’ve not laid hands on an Ursus.

[bort2.0]

I thought the Ursus played really well, incredible low register, and absolute sh$t ergonomics.

May have played better than the 2155, but for me, it was just a disaster and virtually unusable.

[bloke]

Everyone has their own opinion about models, and those opinions tend to contrast and differ wildly - as perceptions differ so wildly, and “how players weigh the importance of different characteristics” varies so wildly.

In an instant, I would pick the best 2155 I’ve ever played (which, spookily, required no on-the-fly slide pulling) over an “Ursus” (at least, over the particular one that I encountered at Midwest, several years ago). It was there on display, and its namesake was also there who - I believe - played a recital on that instrument.
===============
ergonomics: I rarely have encountered any issues with any tubas, along these lines. Maybe (??), I just adjust my own posture and tilt of the instrument, and - most of the time – I am able to find a way to make things comfortable.
A couple of exceptions have included some defunct-company California made tubas, and the very first of those (also: defunct) Brazil-made Nirschl-style tubas (with crazy-short mouthpipe tubes)… oh yeah and a pair of B-flat and C very heavy Swiss made tubas - which might (??) possibly be more manageable, were they not so top-heavy.
I am no strong man, but I do a great deal of extended-time upper body work (straightening out nasty old huge brass instruments), and also seem (??) to be able to hold my interior thigh muscles locked at a particular angle for long periods of time without discomfort…and perhaps those two things are factors which help me to play more shapes and sizes of tubas comfortably…??

[DandyZ629]

One of the best instruments I've ever played was a MW 2000, another was a 2155 with the 45 SLP leadpipe. Both were strikingly good. I haven't tried a 3225, but I really want to.

[tubanh84]

I played a 2155 for a few years before I was mature enough to appreciate it. Phenomenal horn. Great in most orchestra settings. Works in quintet. All these years later, I wouldn’t buy or trade for another one simply because it’s too serious a horn for me. Like my old PT6. It’s a tool, and a great one, not a toy. I’m into toys now.

[bloke]

I have several instruments, but they all have specific purposes and they all get used.
If it were that I allowed myself to keep more instruments than I probably would regularly use, I would’ve never sold that 186 that I sold to Bill, and I would’ve never sold a particular 2155 that I sold to a Canadian military band (and yes: I would swap out the mouthpipe immediately for a 45SL-P mouthpipe) - as I would have no interest in collecting instruments based on their historical significance, but certainly could based on the excellence of their playing characteristics.

[tubanh84]

as I would have no interest in collecting instruments based on their historical significance, but certainly could based on the excellence of their playing characteristics.

I have had/played two horns based in part on historical significant/interest. As you point out, the historical satisfaction very quickly gives way to a lack of joy while playing the horns. And historical significance won’t keep me coming back for more practice….