TubaForum.net

5/4 188? Probably a Pt-6. I think the MRP plays more like a 6/4, having owned one for about a year.

Ironically, you, me, and bort seem to all be on this path of trying to find the right fit with limited use and budget! I've also owned a BUNCH of tubas pitched in C, Eb, and F.

You might like something smaller that isn't as much work to hold and play, and play in-tune. I love my 4/4 HB, but others don't.

You mention the Norwegian Star. If you're doing everything on that, I understand not needing a huge tuba. The Bruckner is my choice of these two, but I also really like the Pt-6 if you're wanting to stick to rotary. The Pt-6 is much bigger than a 188, and the MRP bigger still than the Pt-6. I don't know if you've owned one, but that's my pick.

Sousaswag wrote: ↑Thu Mar 09, 2023 1:02 pm 5/4 188? Probably a Pt-6. I think the MRP plays more like a 6/4, having owned one for about a year.

Ironically, you, me, and bort seem to all be on this path of trying to find the right fit with limited use and budget! I've also owned a BUNCH of tubas pitched in C, Eb, and F.

You might like something smaller that isn't as much work to hold and play, and play in-tune. I love my 4/4 HB, but others don't.

You mention the Norwegian Star. If you're doing everything on that, I understand not needing a huge tuba. The Bruckner is my choice of these two, but I also really like the Pt-6 if you're wanting to stick to rotary. The Pt-6 is much bigger than a 188, and the MRP bigger still than the Pt-6. I don't know if you've owned one, but that's my pick.

I just started a new post with my experiences. The PT-6 was my overall best and pretty much what I always wanted out of a tuba.

I'm out of the game now... and probably will be for the next several years... which sorta makes me biased towards "I'd love to have anything at all right now!" But over the years and MANY changes, the PT-6 was just an incredible combination of everything that makes a tuba good.

Bruckner

Excellent intonation
Full, clear sound
Lots of horsepower
Consistent top to bottom
Excellent response
Hammer low range
DREAMY MIRAPHONE ROTARY VALVES

And in CC for those too good (read: too chicken$#!+) to play BBb.

Pakins51 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:44 am ... All of this to say, When I wanted a bigger 188 I think I went too big, so i’m just trying to see what horns our my options. I guess I should’ve made a post titled “What horns play like a 5/4 Miraphone 188?” and I might just do that.

I think the PT6 might be just that

Played both these side by side recently here in the UK, gold brass Bruckner and clear lacquer PT20. My intention was to purchase a PT6, but soon discovered the PT6 was too large for my needs and 4/4 CC would suit me better (but the PT6 - wow what a tuba!).

I had 2 sessions with the dealer, the second time I also had a trusted friend with me for an opinion before making the final decision (played through lots of excerpts and studies). Both said the PT20 was clearer in the low register, more punchy, better intonation and the best all round sound. This surprised me as I really thought I'd be leaving with the Bruckner. The Bruckner had a very dark sound with lots of core, especially mid register, but just wasn't as consistent for me. Also the B&S valves are exceptionally good, the Miraphone valves are good but the PT20 was noticeably better

I've found the PT20 fits my needs perfectly, I play with several amateur orchestras (two of a very good standard) and it carries the contra-bass tuba requirements for Russian and Austro/German repertoire really well. I also have a Besson 981 which I thought I'd use for bass-tuba parts, but finding the PT20 is adaptable for almost everything (maybe with the exception of some Berlioz, Franck and Elgar!). The PT20 is also by far the most in tune tuba I've played, even more so than the 981. There are several PT20's in use in the UK with pro musicians, they seem more popular here than the Bruckner. Maybe one day I'll take a chance on a PT6......