Melton 2011FA-L Front Action Bb-Tuba

I play in a 28 piece community based jazz ensemble, doubling on tuba and trombone. Having played a 110 year old Boosey and Co tuba for a while, I treated myself to this amazing Melton Meinl Weston / Howard Johnson BBb four valve instrument. Mr Johnson actually plays the top action version, which is modelled on one of his earlier instruments. Check out him and his multi tuba band Gravity.

This tuba has a beautiful tone in high and low registers and the valves are very responsive. My only query is the placement of the strap rings, which might be good for the top action model, but aren't quite right for the front action. A couple of Neotech straps has sorted that out. It's really just down to me now to try and do the instrument justice.