Meinl-Weston 2165 (SN 72107) History/Information

[WaterKey]

I recently purchased the used Meinl-Weston 2165 from Dillon Music. The shop didn't have any background information on the horn's history or previous owners. Since a few people in the deals thread mentioned some potential details regarding its past and modifications, I wanted to start a topic here to see if anyone has any information on it. It is serial number 72107. If you know anything about the horn or who owned it previously, I'd appreciate any insights you can share. This is my first time ever posting so I'm sorry if I messed something up

[Sousaswag]

I’m pretty sure Mike Milnarik owned this tuba for a while. It’s been offered for sale a few times since I saw it from him maybe 10 years ago.

I think it’s just had the leadpipe mod done, making it for all intents and purposes a 2265.

[catgrowlB]

I wish Meinl-Weston had a date-database for their instrument serial numbers. But I can tell you the M-W 2165 was released March 1992. Source? My Meinl-Weston catalog I saved from a tuba conference a long time ago. I even have a couple inserts -- one an ad for the M-W 25 BBb, and the other insert is about Warren Deck's involment with the development of the M-W 2165 (1992), and M-W 2155 (1995).

Looks like your tuba has had the bell and mouthpipe replaced with raw brass ones? Can you measure the bell? The real/original 2165 bell should measure 19.69" diameter. Your tuba may have the 45slp mouthpipe and the 'Baer' bell on it? Your tuba may have the 'big valves' also. Best guess is a late 1990s/early 2000s model, with a couple big changes.

[Sousaswag]

Pretty sure that’s the original bell. Looks identical to mine. I’ll post pix later. I seem to remember the 2165 fad of stripping the lacquer from the bell, then later on the whole tuba.

It’s certainly a late model. That’s not the original mouthpipe nor was it bent particularly similar to what was standard on these.

Big valves for sure. I wonder if it still has the tone ring and extra guard wire all over it. I’d remove those if it does.

It’s also had some bracing removed from the first and 4th slides, I think. I did the same with mine.

[WaterKey]

I can’t tell if it has had the leadpipe mod I’m fairly new to the inner workings of tubas so I’m learning as I go the only think I want to change on it is to put vented valves on it and get it completely looked over I went from a 6/4 ZO thunderbird that my friend let me play but this is the first one I have purchased myself.

[catgrowlB]

^ I think Sousaswag is correct about the mouthpipe. The original mouthpipe on those tubas had a very different curvature to them, and they were larger. IMO, the original mouthpipe looks nicer, but makes it harder to play. Looks like yours has the 45slp mouthpipe "mod" on it which should make it play easier.

How do you like this M-W 2165 compared to the 6/4 ZO 'Thunderbird'?

[Sousaswag]

I can’t be exactly sure, but your pipe also looks like it’s a couple inches longer than mine. It may help with the pitch control on these tubas as well.

I keep my main slide pretty far out. Maybe that’s just me.

Anyway…

[WaterKey]

I’ve tried keeping the main slide pretty far out, but it hasn’t really affected the pitch control much for me. Honestly, I am totally brand new to this side of tubas, so how do I tell for sure if it actually has the 45slp pipe on it? As for how the 2165 compares to the ZO, it’s definitely a learning process. Compared to the Thunderbird, it is less resistant, harder to slot, and a whole lot harder to tune. The projection is completely flipped, too—the 2165 is a punchy freight train that fills a 700 seat hall with ease. The bottom end is totally free blowing and pedals center easily, but it is incredibly mouthpiece sensitive and takes way more active control within the staff.

[Sousaswag]

You’d have to measure it. I don’t have the measurements on hand but if you’re really curious I’m happy to measure my own.

I’m 99% certain it is an SLP pipe. Just due to the bend, the other mods to that tuba, etc.

It’s the better pipe to put on there.