Posted by Sean Chisham on February 09, 1999 at 21:19:27:
In Reply to: Re: Willsons ain't so bad after all posted by David on February 09, 1999 at 18:52:22:
They are two different animals. The Besson 983 has a smaller, maybe sweeter, sound then the Willson Eb. The Willson Eb is more along the lines of the Hirsbrunner F's. A bigger sound and maybe more useful in more diverse musical settings. These are just guesses, as I have never used the Willson in any ensemble.
I am still relativelly content with my Besson, but always have my eye on what else is out there.
I played the Willson CC very briefly a couple of years ago. I felt the Willson Eb to be a better horn than the Willson CC, but this was after limited exposure. $9000 is just about average for the better full sized CC tubas. That is about what the 2155, Rudy Meinl 5/4, and PT-6P run. It is anyone's guess as to which one you will like better.
Regarding the difficulty in breathing due to the instrument pressing against you: I lost 30lbs and the same problem cleared itself up with me.
sean