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I'd like to announce that I have four Rudolf Meinl piston valve tubas ordered, which I'm expecting to arrive in November.

The tubas consist of one 5/4 BBb, one 4/4 BBb, and two 4/4 CC's, lacquered, with Kariso cases. Between the cost of the
instruments and freight and tariffs, which is anybody's guess at the moment, I do not have exact prices, but plan to offer
each one of them for under $20,000.00.

I have asked Rudi, Jr. if he would send photos of the instruments in process, and when they're finished, because,
well, we're tuba players! I will send out more info as I get it. Very soon, Rudolf Meinls will be back in the house!

...and B-flat tubas are being taken seriously in the United States

Rudy tubas are just sublime to play, there are going to be four very happy tuba players!

I’ve never tried a Piston Rudy, I’d be curious to try them. My work owned 4/4 C is the smoothest and easiest playing rotor C tuba I’ve ever played.

Lee, do you have plan to have some rotor Rudys too soon?

Oh, I wish!!

rudysan wrote: Fri Oct 10, 2025 4:17 pm ... too soon?

Is that possible?

Indeed, BBb tubas are being taken seriously again. I have no rotor Rudolf Meinl tubas on order,
only the piston-valve models. If you are serious about acquiring a Rudolf Meinl rotor tuba, I
can import a rotary 3/4 BBb or CC, 4345 rotor CC, standard 4/4 BBb or CC, a Bayreuth model BBb,
or standard 5/4 BBb or CC, or the 4/4 or 5/4 F-tuba finished to your desired specs. In fact, the Rudolf
Meinl 6/4 BBb actually exists, and for a price in the $30,000.00 range, you can have one of those. If you
wonder what they sound like, check out recordings of Manfred Hoppert with a German orchestra, just layin'
it down. These tubas are a bit more expensive than the Asian tubas, but there's just no comparison in terms
of what you get for your money, and a well-taken-care-of Rudolf Meinl tuba can be played for generations.
I'll be happy to get a quote from the factory for anyone that is serious about wanting to acquire one. Not to
discourage anyone, but to acquire a tuba like this will cost you between $15K - $25K, about the price of a new
economy car. Since I was in college in the 1970's, I've noted that the price of a new top professional tuba has
closely correlated to the price of a new economy car. My first tuba, a Rudi 3/4 CC, and my first new car, a
Chevrolet economy car, cost within $100.00 of each other. And, there's no doubt which one was a better
investment!

And, for those asking, the 5/4 piston BBb is not completely new from the ground up. The outer branches and
bell are the same as the rotary model, and the rest of the tuba has been engineered to make it all work correctly
together. I actually have played the 5/4 BBb, the last time I was in Germany, and I am pretty excited about getting
this tuba into the shop. To me, it was a Rudi 5/4 BBb with hints of old Conn and Martin flavoring, a big sound, full
of color, with the agility of really good pistons.

I will post updates as I hear more from Bavaria!