Posted by Steve Marcus on May 28, 2000 at 08:16:43:
In Reply to: Willson Eb vs other Eb posted by Kris Haag on May 28, 2000 at 04:37:53:
A bandmate who has a Besson Eb likes it except for some intonation quirks. This may be a factor of an individual horn. Another bandmate who has a Besson Eb seems to have trouble with a slide that keeps slipping out at inconvenient times (is there ever a convenient time?); this could certainly be dealt with by a repair shop.
I played a new Willson 5-valve Eb tuba two weeks ago. It had a beautiful, warm tone throughout its range, and offered a very wide dynamic range without having to "push" the horn.
The Nirschl Eb might also be worth your consideration.