Posted by Rex Roeges on August 10, 2002 at 23:10:47:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Hated my 20J, Blasphemy? posted by Dan Schultz on August 10, 2002 at 22:21:40:
Dan-
I also enjoy playing bigger tubas (my main ax is a VMI Neptune), and I have a 20K Sousy that I like to play in parades, but the 20J is a very different beast. Yes, it is large, but it really is at the low end of the quality scale as far as big horns go. When I look at all of the wonderful 5/4 and 6/4 size horns out there, I just shake my head when people talk about how great the 20J is. What about all those wonderful old Holtons? Martin made a great BBb that looked just like a 20J, but played like a Rudy Meinl, IMHO! There are many, many new big horns that are far superior.
For those of you who have only played Eb's, get some earplugs and spend a little time with a 20J. You will be glad to return to your more "user friendly" horn in short order.
BTW, I personally think that the best horn for a polka or dixie band is a MW20 (BBb, 4 rotary valves).
-Rex