Which One Would You Choose? BMB 765 or Conn 25J

[dugh]

I'm a community band member. The music isn't that difficult and hardly ever a note below F. I'll be deciding soon between the two horns. I like these horns for their round tone. Sometimes I'm the only tuba at practice in a group of 90. What would you choose if you were in my position?

[bloke]

I roll my eyes when someone uses the argument that "so and so does so and so" to defend their choice to also themselves do so and so.

... but here I go mentioning that "so and so does so and so".

When Gene decides to play B-flat, he uses a BMB. I'm not particularly fond of them. I also don't think they're terrible. I would choose a BMB personally over a Conn, and it has nothing to do with valves orientation.

If those are the only two choices, I've delivered my answer to you, but I'm not anyone, so don't pick because of me. I also probably wouldn't pick because of Gene either. Let Gene do What Gene does, and you do what you want to do.

[MiBrassFS]

Didn’t Gene move on from the BMB to greener pastures? Just curious.

“Not in the market myself…”

[arpthark]

Didn’t Gene move on from the BMB to greener pastures? Just curious.

“Not in the market myself…”

Dick Barth posted pics from just a few months ago of Gene playing the BMB, I believe.

[bloke]

Didn’t Gene move on from the BMB to greener pastures? Just curious.

“Not in the market myself…”

He and I email each other about train sightings and cabbages and kings from time to time, and the last time I talked to him (which wasn't all that long ago, though time passes faster when we get older) he was still playing that thing.

I was wondering about a trip to Wisconsin in a few months - just for fun (which would either be when it's still warm enough or when it's beginning to be warm enough again), and I toyed with the idea of taking FatBastard up there for him to check out, but I just don't want to be burdened with it on a trip like that.

bloke "Dragging a tuba all over the place is too reminiscent of a gig."

[gocsick]

I happen to like the sound of the big old Conns. I play a 20J in a harness instead of sousaphone from time to time for outdoor gigs or indoor standing gigs when space is tight. If you can deal with the intonation issues (not that it is any worse than most old BBbs) and you like the sound go for it. For community band and jazz jams, I am typically not the problem player in the ensemble when it comes to intonation when On on the 20J.

I have no experience with the BMB.

[MiBrassFS]

Again, completely NOT in the market…

Can the BMB tubas still be purchased new or are they now a secondary market thing? I looked for website for info and didn’t find one.

Edit: I did find a Facebook page that is set to public (so, non-Facebookers can access it…) and it said they’re out of business, but Gene still uses one. I’ve never seen one in person and don’t know anything about their models, etc. I imagine a guy like him has a few tubas!

[arpthark]

Again, completely NOT in the market…

Can the BMB tubas still be purchased new or are they now a secondary market thing? I looked for website for info and didn’t find one.

Edit: I did find a Facebook page that is set to public (so, non-Facebookers can access it…) and it said they’re out of business, but Gene still uses one. I’ve never seen one in person and don’t know anything about their models, etc. I imagine a guy like him has a few tubas!

They are out of business and I believe the remainder of their stock was sent to Buckeye Brass.

[Sousaswag]

I heard somebody was “redesigning” them, at some point. I don’t know if that’s still the case. Maybe it was Buckeye?

[dugh]

Given those two options, I’d probably choose the BMB also.

Both of these horns will likely have a few intonation difficulties requiring some slide manipulation, so the front/side action layout of the BMB makes that situation a bit easier to deal with. Plus, I think the upper slides for 1, 3, and 4 are all ‘right there’ with 2 being an option if you extend the ring (I’ve always found a way to avoid that). On the Conn you’ll have access to 1st and maybe 3rd but that requires a bit more groping about.

With regards to sound/timbre I’d also prefer the BMB provided it’s true to its design inspiration. The 2xJs can get a bit hairy when pushed at a lower intensity.

Having said all of that, if you’re in a band that sometimes has 1, sometimes has 4 tuba players, I might go a bit more “middle of the road” if this is your only horn.

[dugh]

Thanks for all the good input. I'll get the BMB back from the dent shop soon and will be able to test them side by side. I love the sound from both horns, but I only want to own one.

The Conn has to rest on my lap when playing without a bit, but it's comfortable otherwise. It's tricky to navigate doorways with the Conn though. I actually prefer the top action valves a bit better. I don't pull slides while playing. For me, the BMB rest comfortably on the chair and I can have good posture while playing it upright. I've seen other players holding the BMB on their lap at an angle. The BMB also fits through doorways better.

I know for some of the better players my considerations might seem trivial. Any other things I might want to consider?

[gocsick]

I use a Yoga block with my 20J and tilt the chair slightly diagonally. This way I can rest it comfortably on the block and chair and not on my legs. More portable than a stand.

One of these
https://www.yogadirect.com/foam-yoga-bl ... -inch.html

[bloke]

If you are fine with top-action, the old 17-inch-bell or later-made 19-inch-bell 3+1 compensating B-flat tubas are pretty cool, and (at least my old 17-inch bell one) offer good tuning.

I need to fix up a 1980's UK-made Sovereign (here) in a Jakob Winter case...I believe a friend (also on these forums) might be interested in it, once I've gone back over past/shoddy dent removal.

They're quite cool, and play chromatically as low as you can play - and only four valves.

There are also some very well-made China versions, but new ones (even quality Chinese) might exceed your budget. ($5xxx, etc...)

example: https://jpmusicalinstruments.com/produc ... 8-bbb-tuba

I've seen another Chinese one whereby it appears that the Chinese Hirsbrunner copy has a 3+1 compensating valve section pasted onto it.
I've never played one...Based on the body (if pictures aren't fooling me) those are probably a bit smaller.

[catgrowlB]

For a large concert/wind band, Conn 25j.

[martyneilan]

Martin Mammoth. The 3 upright piston models have surprisingly good intonation and very usable false tones. More sound than you will ever need but very agile.

[splat]

25J or bust

[dugh]

25J or bust

I have strong feelings about these horns too!

[dugh]

After testing then both side by side, I'm keeping the BMB. I'm offering the Conn 25j to my friend in the band first, but if he's not interested, I'll list it here. It's a really beautiful Conn 25j finished in bright silver.

[dugh]

If someone has an interest in the Conn, let me know. If my friend is not interested, I'll contact you.