Walter Nirschl

Master Craftsman

Participated in the 2019 edition

Walter Nirschl began his training as an apprentice at Melton/Meinl Weston (1979–1981) and earned the title of Master Craftsman in 1986. In 1992, he took over the Böhm & Meinl factory, continuing the production of large-bore tubas in the American style. His international reputation was cemented in 1996 when he created the first faithful replica of the legendary CSO York Tuba, the historic instrument associated with the legendary Arnold Jacobs.

Since 2005, Walter has devoted himself exclusively to 100% handcrafted production in his workshop in Bavaria. Rejecting industrial production, each instrument is hammered and finished by hand, requiring approximately 250 hours of work. This pre-industrial approach ensures the sonic excellence that brings his instruments to world-class orchestras, such as La Scala in Milan and the San Francisco Symphony.