Posted by Rick Denney on May 25, 2001 at 15:11:59:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: F tuba comparison posted by Phil on May 25, 2001 at 14:10:15:
Yes, the VMI company (who manufactures B&S tubas) is owned by TA-Musik, which also owns Meinl-Weston. But B&S tubas are made in a different factory and in a different city, according to a different tradition.
I have played B&S F tubas, and indeed they have a particular quality to them. But their low range requires a very specialized approach. You can just pick up the Yamaha and play, but a B&S or Alex requires a change of mindset. The Meinl-Weston seems to be in the middle, more German than the Yamaha, but with a playable low C at least. I have also played the VMI Culbertson F, which is the same instrument (nearly) as the B&S, and, sure enough, it plays like a B&S.
Rick "who doesn't much like B&S F tubas but sure likes the way many players play them" Denney