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I spent quite a bit of time trying out the piston Willson CC at the last army conference- I was very impressed. The horn had lots of pop and prescence, from what I could tell in the "elephant room." Their CC model is large, but the wrap allowed me to stick my left arm comfortably through the tubing. This horn is a lot of fun to play. Good luck in your horn search.

Greg wrote: They have a price difference of nearly two grand to get silver plate rather than Lacquer. At that kind of price difference, I would need the silver plated tuba to come pre-tuned in all registers as well as have an automatic key-signature checker!

Why not hold out for having its own air supply, as well?

I play a 3100, and it is a stellar BBb tuba. It has all of the characteristics of the CC, but with the greater resonance of a BBb horn. The difference in ergonomics is minimal--you can't rest your arm on the 4th turn before the bell. It is very heavy, though, and may require a stand. The horn gives little physical feedback because of this, but its presence is never lacking.

I have had my Willson 3100 for about 8 years. Spectacular instrument. Best low register BBb I have ever played. If you want those pedal Ds to Fs to project, this is the instrument for you. If you play is a group with 12 trumpets with too much testosterone and still want to be heard, you cannot beat this baby. The instrument is big and heavy but is beautifully made with excellent attention to detail. There are a few intonation issues including the D below the staff and the Eb in the staff. You can work around these issues. Articulation is as good as you will find on and big instrument. I do want to note that I have played a number of 3100s and there is some variability between instruments. (I have a Willson 3400 also and everyone of these I have played is pretty much the same.) If you live in the Midwest, stop by DEG in Lake Geneva and try a few out. (The folks there are good about this. They have a special room set up.)