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Looking for insight on the 2 different versions of 5 valve piston Willson 3400 Ebs. Are they 2 different versions of the same beast or are the designed for different applications? Both good chamber and all around horns or do they each have their niche? Thanks for your thoughts and experience. Bernie

The 3400 Compact is THE best bass tuba I’ve played. Ever. I would absolutely LOVE to own one. Less of a do everything tuba than the big one, but my goodness does it play well. Impeccable pitch and a great low register with a great sound.
This is a great chamber group and solo horn and is hugely popular in the brass band world.

Unfortunately, they are rare, and your only option is really to buy new.

The big 3400 is a great chamber horn as well as a one-tuba sort of horn that has better intonation than any of their F tubas. Arguably more of a contrabass tuba sound comes from this one. This is a great tuba as well, and would fit into any situation you’d like to put it in.

Of the two, the Compact is my favorite, but the big one is no slouch.

The big one is I hope the next horn I purchase

I have the 3400 and I love it as an all around horn. The compact model is quite good although definitely a great chamber horn. It is really up to you as either are great Eb's.