Posted by Tom B. on March 04, 2003 at 12:34:22:
In Reply to: What if.... posted by Tabor on March 04, 2003 at 12:20:39:
My vote...something else.
I'd much rather have a Meinl Weston 2000 or a 4/4 Nirschl than any of the big tubas listed above.
However, if I were limited to only the tubas you listed, I would pick the Hirsbrunner. I had not played one until recently, but now that I have, it is my favorite big tuba. Another favorite (and much cheaper) is the VMI Culbertson Neptune (rotor one...I think it's the Neptune).
I've never heard anyone on a Holton, but I've heard lots of great players on all of the others, and am inclined to say that it's the player, not the horn. Of course some horns are "better" than others, but the horn will not make you a better player...correct practice on any horn does that. Buy a horn because you like it, sound good on it, etc., etc.