Time goes by, people are busy and the world of music goes through a constant state of change and progress. The "people are busy" aspect reminded me that it was time to say hello to our many good friends and colleagues.

Our tuba and horn business, small but specialized, continues to prosper. Close cooperation with the manufacturer of "B & S" Perantucci tubas and "Meister Hans Hoyer" French Horns has led to many benefits for our valued customers, both student and professional.

These instruments as well as the other fine brass and woodwinds developed by JA-Musik GmbH are among the most prefered, widely used and recommended worldwide. Plans are being made to expand the VMI factory in Marneukirchen where 250 craftsmen and women are employed. A new production facility near Budapest is now in operation, in order to keep up with orders for these fine music instruments. Please refer to www.ja-musik.de for detailed information on these developments.

Our primary area of endeavor remains with the continued refinement and development of current and future "B & S" Perantucci tubas, and the development of new models. The PT-6 and PT-6P 5/4 CC-tubas are used by more and more orchestral players all the time. The more recent PT-20 and PT-20P 4/4 CC-tubas became best sellers from the start. As with the large models, these are beautifully made, highly versatile and sound great.

The "B & S" Perantucci F-tuba family grew with the addition of the PT-15 and PT-16 models. These may not be familiar to some musicians, those who have the famous PT-10 and PT-12 tubas.

The PT-15 five valve and PT-16 six valve F-tubas are "B & S" Perantucci instruments in the best tradition. They have the tonal quality and exquisite workmanship that made the PT-10 and PT-12 famous. The technical differences are in the area of the leadpipe, the main tuning slide and the bell.

Both lines use the same "B & S" progressive bore valve section and body bows. The leadpipe is shorter on the PT-15 and PT-16. The reduced length is incorporated into the main tuning slide, this being slightly longer. The instrument uses a fuller bell while retaining the proven 42cm rim diameter.

The short leadpipe-longer main tuning slide has also been carried over to other "B & S" F-tuba models such as the standard-bore PT-8 five valve and PT-9 six valve instruments.

These changes result in a rounder, darker sound and increased dynamic range, more in line with the tonal concepts of modern large-bore orchestral brass sections.

The success of the entire "B & S" and "B & S" Perantucci tuba line is based on this rich, powerful sound, good intonation and high quality of materials, workmanship and finish. Try the best, then invest in the best!

Information on Perantucci tuba and Euphonium mouthpieces is enclosed for your reference. As with "B & S" Perantucci tubas, we continue to develop and perfect these mouthpieces, to new levels of sound, dynamic range and efficiency. Have a good look at your convenience! A list of dealers is enclosed.

In closing I would like to thank you for your consideration of these remarks and the fine instruments and mouthpieces reflected therein. For more than 30 years our objective has been to provide musicians those tools necessary for success in and enjoyment of their chosen field of endeavor. You, the active musician or educator, are the true designers of these products.
We maintain a large stock of new and used F and CC-tubas. Feel free to contact us should you have a used instrument for sale! The enclosed lists indicate the selection available at this time.

For "B & S" Perantucci F and CC-tubas, we are America's exclusive distributor. Contact us when you or your students are ready to invest in a fine instrument.

Sincerely yours,
Robert Tucci
Principal Tuba for the Bavarian Opera & Ballet Orchestra - Munich, Germany
Design Consultant for Custom Music Company - Ferndale, Michigan (USA)