TubaForum.net

R.I.P.

In adoring and grateful memory to Gerhard Meinl (1958-2026). A visionary instrument maker, entrepreneur and music lover who really pushed the development of tubas!

I was fortunate enough to meet him in 1988. I learned a LOT from him in a brief time.

Rest in peace, sir.

He oversought a tremendous amount of change.

Rest in Peace.

So sorry to hear this! Not a very old man...!

Back in 2003, Melton had a feedback-creating lottery on the Frankfurt Musikmesse.
If you turned in a filled-out form with feedback on some of their products, you could win certain items, the 1st prize being a free ride to ITEC Budapest the following year: Train ticket, Hotel costs and admission fees were covered.

AND I WON THE TRIP! An unforgettable, eye-opening and unique experience that created memories very dear to me, which I would not have pursued otherwise.
Including an ad-hoc mini-lesson on playing the Cimbasso right on the manufacturer´s booth, a free lesson from a very generous American professor of music and, of course, lots of conversation with pro and amateur tuba enthusiasts.

So in a way, Gerhard Meinl directly contributed to my personal and musical journey, of which I am very grateful.
It is very sad to learn of his passing.

bort2.0 wrote: Thu Feb 26, 2026 11:01 pm So sorry to hear this! Not a very old man...!

He was taken from us way too early.
He was only 68.
Great ambassador for the tuba.