Posted by a voice of dissent on April 12, 2001 at 07:44:51:
In Reply to: A 983 question posted by Steve H. on April 11, 2001 at 22:23:36:
The Besson 983 is *not* a free-blowing tuba when the 4th valve is used in combination with any other valve. I say this by way of comparison to non-compensating tubas. You will notice an obvious difference in the low register (4th valve combination notes) if you have only played non-compensator type tubas.
However, when I play mine with a PT-72 mpc, the low register problems are minimized, the notes speak quickly, and this particular playing characteristic can be adapted to.
Also, I do agree with the other assessments that, for a compensating tuba, the low register is pretty good. But after owning one for a few years now, I'm still not in love with the low register's characteristics. Let's say that I tolerate it for the time being.
What are your options? In the key of Eb, if you don't want a compensting tuba, save your money and buy the Willson 3400, a Rudy Meinl 5/4 Eb (rotary), or perhaps the Gronitz.
Steve Inman
Kokomo, IN