R6

[bassbone1993]

Has anybody played a Rath R6? I’ve heard a bit about these, but nothing in depth.

[Digidog]

I’m curious too.

I’ve only seen pictures of it, but the new valve looks intriguing.

Noone knows nothing? ( )

[Finetales]

I've written about it here on TC. I like the R6 a lot more than the R4Fs I've played. It's an excellent large bore in every aspect.

[RJMason]

The valve (Mick Rath’s pandemic project) is really quite good and in line with the quality of blow, feel, and throw one would expect from a boutique maker these days. I liked it much more than the hagmann and the Rotax. The bracing makes the horn feel (from a players perspective) more familiar to other designs.

If I were to get a large bore Rath again I would opt for the R6 over the R4.

[mrdeacon]

I think there’s still a lot to be said about how easily you can swap parts between the R3 and R4 series. I stick with my trusty R4 because of the compatibility!

[bassbone1993]

I think there’s still a lot to be said about how easily you can swap parts between the R3 and R4 series. I stick with my trusty R4 because of the compatibility!

I emailed Rath, and they told me the slide and bell can be put on an R6 section. It's just the tuning slide that's different. Though the side has a single radius bow, which is different from both the R3 and R4. If they made a .525 slide for the R6, I think it would be a much easier decision.

[mrdeacon]

I think there’s still a lot to be said about how easily you can swap parts between the R3 and R4 series. I stick with my trusty R4 because of the compatibility!

I emailed Rath, and they told me the slide and bell can be put on an R6 section. It's just the tuning slide that's different. Though the side has a single radius bow, which is different from both the R3 and R4. If they made a .525 slide for the R6, I think it would be a much easier decision.

Good to know! I really should check one out at NAMM one of these years.

[Burgerbob]

I don't think Rath have been at NAMM any year I've been there.

[Finetales]

Rath was at NAMM last year, which is where I tried the R6. They haven't been there in past years, but now that John Packer (who is always at NAMM) owns them they'll probably always be there going forward.

[bbocaner]

I tried one briefly and liked it so much I ordered one, still waiting for delivery! The valve felt really nice and it definitely had a feel more like a mainstream instrument especially with regards to the feedback and slotting rather than the way the R4(F) feels.