Pretty close to the truth

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bort2.0
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Pretty close to the truth

Post by bort2.0 »

I typed "bort2.0 tuba" into my phone's search bar. Here is the AI summary which is pretty close to true. (I never sold that old 181 to Joe.)

I was particularly disappointed to learn that I am not a brand of tuba, though.
Based on discussions from TubaForum.net, "bort2.0" is a prominent user on the forum known for owning, importing, and discussing a wide variety of tubas, particularly vintage German and large piston models.

Key Associations with "bort2.0" and Tubas:
Miraphone F Tubas: In 2022, bort2.0 imported a rare early 1980s Miraphone 181-series F tuba from Germany, which was later sold to another forum member, user "bloke".

Rudolf Meinl 5/4 BBb: Bort2.0 has owned and discussed a Rudolf Meinl 5/4 BBb tuba, which is regarded as having a massive sound but presents transport/size challenges.

Marzan/Yorkmaster Pistons: Bort2.0 has indicated interest in Marzan tubas and discussed using Conn monster Eb/BBb bells on B&M (Yorkmaster) bodies.

Tuba Sizing Philosophy: Bort2.0 is critical of the "5/4" designation, arguing it is often used inconsistently by manufacturers (mentioning PT-6, Willson 3050, and Miraphone 1291) and prefers to treat sizes as relative to specific makers.

General Preferences: He has expressed fondness for the Miraphone 188 for orchestra and noted his experiences with various rotary and piston models.

Note: The results indicate bort2.0 is a knowledgeable community member on TubaForum, not a brand of tuba.
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MN_TimTuba (Tue Apr 28, 2026 7:25 pm)


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bort2.0
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by bort2.0 »

Of course, if you run the same search multiple times, you get different answers each time. And after a while, it gives you gold nugget nonsense like this:
Tuba Philosophy: He frequently critiques "5/4" labeling as subjective and often inaccurate, noting that sizes should only be considered relative to a specific maker's lineup. He also expresses a preference for building horns from the ground up or modifying existing models rather than standard stock, such as his comments on Bruckner and Meister Walter (M-W) rotary tubas
.
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bloke
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by bloke »

I'm thinking that naked guy face down on the floor in the ballroom lobby of that hotel in DC may have gleaned a lot of his "facts" from AI.
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tadawson (Wed Apr 29, 2026 8:09 am)
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by Schlitzz »

In 2000, I was in NYC for OpSail 2000 (Parade of the Tall Ships). I’m in the band on the flight deck of the JFK. We had a detail in the band, to watch Bill. They put Hillary next to Dr. Ruth.

Fat, Drunk, and STOOPID on duty with POTUS.
They all need to be fired.
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by Casca Grossa »

Here is a very informative AI summary. I particularly like @bloke's famous candid tone. (It probably should read, "his world-class candid tone."

Joe Sellmansberger, often known by his online handle "bloke" on TubaForum.net, is a highly respected tuba player, instrument repair technician, and mouthpiece designer based in Moscow, Tennessee. He and his wife operate Mid-South Music, where he provides specialized repair services and sells his custom-designed brass equipment.

The Sellmansberger Mouthpiece System: He is best known for developing the Sellmansberger Tuba Mouthpiece System, manufactured in collaboration with Houser Mouthpiece. The system is unique for its modular stainless steel construction, allowing players to mix and match components to fine-tune their sound and response.
Modular Design: The mouthpieces typically consist of three parts: a rim, a cup, and a shank. This allows for immense customization, such as switching from an American to a European shank while keeping the same rim and cup.
Key Models:
Symphony: A hybrid "conical swell" cup designed for resonance and control in 4/4 to 6/4 tubas.
Orchestra Grand (OG): A slightly broader symphonic cup with more volume, often used to open up the sound of large orchestral tubas.
Imperial: A "compressed cone" cup suited for large Eb tubas or quintet playing.
Solo: Designed for smaller tubas or solo repertoire where clarity and agility are paramount.
Material: Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, which is hypoallergenic, durable, and offers a different vibration profile than traditional silver-plated brass.

Online Presence: On TubaForum.net, "bloke" is a prominent and often colorful personality.
He is known for:
Expert Advice: Providing deep technical insights into tuba acoustics, mouthpiece design, and historical instrument models (like vintage Miraphones or B&S tubas).
Custom Projects: Sharing photos and details of "Frankentubas"—instruments he has modified or built from various parts.
Candid Tone: He is famous in the community for his direct, witty, and sometimes eccentric posting style, frequently discussing everything from orchestral performance practice to environmentalism and instrument linkages.

If you are looking to purchase his gear, it is often recommended to contact him directly through Mid-South Music (joesellmansberger@gmail.com) for a more personalized consultation, as he is known for his generous trial policies and expert matching of mouthpieces to specific instruments.
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by P@rick »

Now you can quote Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope): "Well, Of Course I Know Him. He's Me"
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by bloke »

AI is trouble.

HAL 9000

:bugeyes:
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by dp »

I just read one that is absolutely hilarious, even the disclaimer cracked me up
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by Mary Ann »

No reference to bort2, but my experience with AI is that it simply reports what it has found in social media databases. In other words, largely crap. It will say something, I will come back with "you are incorrect, and the truth is" and it will say, yes you are correct. The fact that people use AI to get medical information is frightening, almost as frightening as getting medical information from a doctor.
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tadawson (Wed Apr 29, 2026 3:37 pm) • bloke (Wed Apr 29, 2026 8:31 pm)
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Re: Pretty close to the truth

Post by tadawson »

I don't refer to it as "Artificial Imbecile" without reason . . . :teeth:
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Mary Ann (Wed Apr 29, 2026 3:50 pm)
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