Posted by J ames W on June 13, 2000 at 04:57:18:
In Reply to: Re: Besson tubas for Brass Band posted by John Szkutko on June 12, 2000 at 23:27:11:
Fairly recently, Besson re designed the 994, and it is now far more like a blown up version of the 981 - very free blowing, even with all four valves down (a rare thing with compensating tubas). I have heard of problems with the 993, and my only experiences of them have been less than perfect. They really don't have the projection of the newer 994s - or maybe I just got a bad one (back to that manufacturing problems point again). Besson have always made top actions, front action is a new line for them and personally I'd steer clear. Most of the bands round here (northern England) use two 994's, a 981 and a 982 for the highest part, and after playing too many of them to count, that's the setup I'd go for if I was choosing.
James.