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Despite the obvious difference in keys, these tubas seem to be remarkable similar in overall design and intended use - serving as a really big "small" tuba or a small "big tuba".

I am considering getting something to slot between my German-style F and large 5/4 CC - for quintets and small-med ensemble playing, assuming I take a day job outside music to afford it.

I would go with the willson, I have one and I love it.
Bill

I think that either would fit the need you are looking to fill, but you absolutely have to try these yourself. I haven't played the Yamaha, but spent some time with the Willson before buying my Besson 983. I found it easy blowing and got a good sound (for me) from it, but I couldn't find a comfortable position to hold it. Others love it, so I conclude that it is even more important to spend some time with one before buying.

MartyNeilan wrote:Despite the obvious difference in keys, these tubas seem to be remarkable similar in overall design and intended use - serving as a really big "small" tuba or a small "big tuba".

I am considering getting something to slot between my German-style F and large 5/4 CC - for quintets and small-med ensemble playing, assuming I take a day job outside music to afford it.

I have played tubas pitched in all 4 keys over the years and I really admire the folks who can keep current and fluent on more than one key of tuba at a time. If you already play F and CC, I would vote for another F rather than add Eb to the mix, just to keep things somewhat sane.

That having been said, if I only had to choose between the two horns you listed, for the purpose you mentioned, (and I didn't have any other horns with which to muddle my mind), I would choose the Willson Eb. But I don't think you're losing anything with the Yamaha either -- unless you end up with more intonation issues.

Cheers,

Steve Inman wrote:

MartyNeilan wrote:If you already play F and CC, I would vote for another F rather than add Eb to the mix, just to keep things somewhat sane.

I played Eb many years ago and don't have a problem about switching - it is really learing a new set of fingerings for each specific horn - ex my current CC with a stinker 3rd partial but spot-on 5th partial uses very different fingerings from my previous CC with a great third partial but so-so 5th partial. My "German-style" 6 valve F uses very different fingerings than my previous Yamaha 621 F - which BTW was a great horn but just not big enough for the middle use I am considering.
And I still found myself switching back and forth to BBb for different reasons.