First, my reasoning for switching off the MRP:
1) I don't play all that much these days; I work two jobs and only rehearse with the band once a week. The MRP basically just sat not being used but once a week. It's not that I don't want to play, but I'm starting my career and I simply don't have the time.
2) I could never get physically comfortable holding it. It's heavy, I'm tall, leadpipe was a bit low for me, and I got tired of fighting with it, whether I used a stand, shelf liner, etc, I just didn't feel comfortable. I know that might sound weird, but this isn't the first time this has happened.
3) I didn't *need* such a big, purpose-built tuba. That MRP is geared towards the full orchestra I never play in. I felt like I was dominating the band I do play in and there's like 6 other guys in my section. That's fun when you're an immature college kid who just got their big horn, but as I've developed and matured since I left school, that "my tuba is bigger than yours" attitude went away. I wanted/needed something that fit my needs better.
For those curious: The list of CC's that I've owned in order:
Miraphone 1293
MW Thor
MRP-C
HB2P
Second, my reasoning for requesting ONLY the HB2P:
1) EVERY one that I've played has been a wonderful tuba.
2) They're just the right size. Not too big, not too small.
3) They're still "valuable" in the sense that I don't feel like I've lost money by taking this over the MRP- This was the right choice for me at this particular time.
THIS TUBA:
Was the one at Dillon's. It lived about 40 minutes away from me for a week or so, then moved to Tennessee, then moved BACK to Illinois. Things just sort of happened. I won't get into the nitty-gritty, but basically, I wanted to trade my MRP to avoid the hassle of having to sell, then ask the owner of the HB to potentially hold it while I did that, yadda yadda, too many moving parts, it all worked out for us in the end!
It is in SPECTACULAR condition. One or two bell dents, and some light surface scratching. That's it. Pretty unbelievable for a horn made in 1990. I really lucked out on this one.
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How does it play? REALLY well. I haven't spent much time with it, but, all the HB quirks that folks have complained about really aren't an issue. Low Bb, A, G, all of them are solid. Not earth-shattering like a Thor or MRP, but it's a smaller tuba. They sound and feel good. That's what matters.
Intonation is also quite good. The 5th partial isn't out of tune like the HB21 or (apparently) some HB2P's. Again, this is all initial "I like this tuba enough to bring it home" type stuff, but overall, solid pitch. Eb below the staff is in tune!
ONE thing that I might change is the leadpipe ANGLE. Height is great for me! Super surprised about that, but very happy. However: It's got this York-ish slant to it that I'm just not super used to, and it feels weird to me. That will probably go away as I play it, but it looks like there's room to bend it more around the bell should I decide to do that. (Don't hate me, just an initial thought!) It is VERY comfortable, well balanced, and overall well-thought out design-wise.
Another thing: Vented valves. Yes!!!
OH, and another: Those little rubber things on the slides that prevent the clank noise when pushing in. Thanks, whoever did that! (Matt over at Dillon's, maybe?)
It ALSO came with the original Swiss hard case, in spectacular shape, and with WORKING wheels! I probably won't use it much, but I never have hard cases with my tubas so this is a very welcome addition.
It's got a brand new Miraphone bag. Ugly as sin, but so darn comfortable. Maybe in the future I'll get something custom made for it, but right now I'm just thrilled it came with a bag; Nobody's going to know there's a Hirsbrunner in a Miraphone case except me.
If you couldn't tell, I'm very excited to own this tuba. I've always lusted over these and am thrilled to get to put it through it's paces. I'd love to get some sound clips if I can work up the courage; I'm pretty out of practice. I will record some stuff next week at rehearsal at the latest.
I'll likely update this tomorrow with more thoughts, and maybe some details about the day trip too.
Until then, cheers!
ALSO: Special thanks to Tim for hooking me up with this tuba; I wouldn't have checked FB in time if he hadn't sent me a PM. Thank you so much for helping a fellow tubist out!
