Re: 5 valve Eb's


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Posted by Steve Bloom on September 21, 2000 at 19:54:44:

In Reply to: 5 valve Eb's posted by Scott on September 20, 2000 at 22:54:28:

I've owned the Hirsbrunner and Miraphone 5-valve E-flats, as well as 4-valve models from Meinl Weston, Yamaha, Conn, the compensated Willson, and both the 981 and 982 model Bessons. I've played the 983. In my opinion the 981 and 982 are the best of the lot. Unfortunately, the Hirsbrunner and Miraphone were both rotary valve instruments and have that infamous poor low range. The Willson was a tank with a mouthpipe height only Shaq could appreciate. For my money--and my use--I'd stick with the compensated Bessons for the best combination of sound and response. The 983 is very nice but is a little weak for band use. I bought the Yamaha 321 back when it was only $1,500 and wish I'd kept it. For the size and price, it was a killer horn. Do they still make the 4-valve version with a 5th rotor? If so, that might be the best combination for your use. I found the 183-5U to be completely unsatisfactory for every application except solo and "light" brass ensemble work.


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