Posted by John Szkutko on June 13, 1999 at 19:06:53:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Boosey & Hawkes EEb: Anybody Know These posted by Jay Bertolet on June 13, 1999 at 16:08:17:
I know what you mean. When I was in college I used their 981 Eb Sovereign for the first 18 months. When I bought mine, it was never quite the same. Didn't have the "sparkle" of the first one.
About 4 weeks ago, I received the front action 983 Sovereign EEb instrument. Excellent! Valves are great (still need a bit of work but make the previous valve sets feel like lead) ease of playing is marvelous and with the "free" left hand, intonation on a majority of notes is easily negotiated.
I've even tried the BBb version (front action) along side my 994 Sovereign. The only thing the 994 has over the 993 is a slightly darker sound. The rest (valves, ease of playing etc.) the 993 literally blows the 994 away.