Re: Karl Zeiss Tuba


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Posted by Leland on December 18, 2003 at 07:32:14:

In Reply to: Karl Zeiss Tuba posted by Jamey on December 18, 2003 at 01:57:22:

I own a nickel-plated version, probably from the mid- to early-70's, and it's a worthwhile horn.

It's got a HUGE bore through the valve section, but the stovepipe bell tightens up the sound a bit. I bought mine from a tuba-playing repairman who had a batch of four, and the buyer of another Zeiss said, "It's a polka tuba!" Mine actually plays more in-tune than the Mirafone S186's my college had. Compared to typical exposed-spring rotary valve mechanisms, the clockspring valves are more difficult to maintain and a bit slower, but they're also pretty impervious to abuse.

Since I bought a new tuba, I've kept my Zeiss, and not for sentimental reasons. It sounds fine, is closer to being in-tune than most, and is pretty durable. It would be fine for someone to use all the way into college.


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