B&S Perantucci
T u b a s & E u p h o n i u m s

PT-606P

Specifications:

In most ways, a tuba is nothing more than metal that has gone through keen hands, to become a masterpiece of glistening brass formed into an elegant shape. Such an instrument was built in 1937, as ordered by Arnold Jacobs for one of his students. The manufacturer's name, "J.W. York Band Inst. Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan", was engraved on the bell.

This was one of the few CC-tubas built by J.W. York, instruments that became legends. These were part of a fundamental change in the way the tuba was played. The "York" CC-tubas were capable of a dark, vibrant sound, rich in character. They were enticing and exciting to play. Simply put, they were instruments with a unique personality.

This personality was a challenge to those musicians using a "York" CC-tuba. The instrument was like a wild horse, full of energy and excitement. One had to tame it before its true form came to light. Thereafter one could begin a journey into the world of sound hitherto without precedent.

"J.W. York" CC-tubas had strengths and weaknesses. The strengths were obvious: a unique, powerful sound coupled with amazing response and efficiency. The weaknesses were caused by inconsistencies in fabrication of the large, hand-bent bows, resulting in faulty intonation.

"J.W. York" built a few small CC-tubas, several medium-large and two 6/4 size ones. Production ended with the outbreak of World War II; the true "York" CC-tuba became a legend.

The two very large models was the basis of a "Holton" copy in the mid fifties, later to become the "Meinl-Weston" Model 2165. In 1981Hirsbrunner and more recently, Walter Nirschl began offering "York" based instruments as does "Kalison". "Yamaha" has built a few and there is even one made by the former "Josef Monke" company. These instruments have much in common.
Limited availability and very high costs of manufacture has kept the number of owners small.

A legendary instrument must incorporate those qualities on which the legend is founded: the sound, the excitement, the personality. To fit the needs of our times, it should be manufactured by company with a strong background in production of highest quality CC-tubas, one that capable of doing this at a price most people can afford.

This was the basis of Gerhard A. Meinl's decision to utilize the vast resources of his manufacturing companies to develop and manufacture a modernized, practical "York" CC-tuba, the "B & S" Perantucci Model PT-606P.

A "J.W. York" CC-tuba owned at one time or another by Arnold Jacobs, Harold Mc Donald and Robert Tucci, most likely the best preserved vintage instrument, was used a reference.

Gerhard Meinl's engineers and technicians studied this instrument, to determine its unique qualities. These were refined and enhanced to obtain even greater tonal richness, depth of sound, consistent response, improved intonation and efficiency.

A prototype was built in July 2003. Experienced, critical professional players were offered this for testing in their orchestral surroundings. The results were totally positive. The modern "York" CC-tuba became a reality. Preparations for full-scale production began immediately resulting in the first instruments becoming available early in 2004.

The "B & S" Perantucci PT-606P has legendary qualities: ones that are obvious from the first notes played or heard. It is enticing and exciting to play. It tempts one to unleash its strength, the sound is more than strong, and it can "shake the walls". Above all, the instrument has unique
character and true personality.

Within a short time, the player finds that it responds eagerly in all areas; those of tonal color, dynamics and velocity for example. The PT-606P captivates its player with the openness and ease with which it can be used. It is built by the same conscientious artisans who make all "B & S"
Perantucci instruments, to highest standards of modern brasswind manufacture, for decades of service in all areas of musical endeavor.

Sixty-five years after the last "J.W. York" CC-tuba was built, the "Tuba you always wanted to own and can afford" is now a reality!