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So, what's the deal with everyone selling these bad boys?

Are there more than two for sale on the forum now? That's hardly everyone...most likely just coincidence.

Bob1062 wrote:About how much do these things weigh? I am always surprised at what a porker the 3400 is, and I've not played the contrabasses.

Too much.....

the 3400 I played weighed as much as my 1290.....

The 3050 is a flipping Tank

I can personally vouch that one out there is not for sale any more . . .

Willsons are heavy horns. My 3400 EEb weighs about 4 pounds heavier than my Besson Sovereign EEb, and is 2 1/2" longer from bottom bow to bell (tighter wrap). It's also wider, and there is quite a stretch to the fourth valve. But the return is a great sound, warm, dark and deep for an EEb, more of an orchestral sound than the Besson. Works better in a concert band, but the Sov seems to fit into the Brit brass band environment more comfortably, where specific parts are written for EEb and BBb tubas.

jonesbrass wrote:I can personally vouch that one out there is not for sale any more . . .

uh oh...what'd you do???


I can see you already changed some things on your equipment list!! I'm jealous......

I agree. The 3050 is a has a great sound. Heavy as hell though. I was shocked when I tried my friends here.

I play the 3100 as my big horn. Yes they are Wind Hogs (to quote Ron Bishop) but the sound is huge. The horns are heavy, so there is very little feedback to let you know how you are doing. You really have to get used to it. I think that the biggest drawback is the weight. I still haven't switched, though!

My 3050 weighs approximately 25 lbs, according to the website, but it does feel a bit heavier when you're lifting one for the first time!!!! . . . note to self: lift with your legs, not your back . . .
As far as being an air hog-- I don't think so. It might be just me, but I think my 188 took just as much air. Now those 6/4 Rudy Meinl's . . . THOSE are air hogs!
Is the 3050 a 6/4 or 5/4? Who cares, this thing is a HUGE CANNON! Best of all, it slots beautifully and has a huge range, in both pitch and volume. My wife, a retired army hornist and current trombonist said the sound is huge, smooth, and beautiful. What else can you ask for?

TonyZ wrote:...so there is very little feedback to let you know how you are doing.

That has always been my issue with the 3100's that I've tried.

Also, it takes more work to put some zip in the sound then with some other big tubas. Not so much an air issue--playing the Holton has changed my perspective on that. But maybe I just wasn't hearing it well.

There was also a significant pain in my posterior, right next to where I keep my wallet, every time I contemplated a 3100.

Were I in the market for a big tuba and willing to spend any sum, I would greatly prefer either of the couple of 6450's I've played to any big Willson that I have tried. The 6450 is one of the few big tubas that I think is clearly an improvement on my Holton (realizing the apples-oranges C-Bb comparison). I like big tubas with a lively sound, a lively feel, and close feedback.

Rick "who also never found a comfortable spot for his left hand on a 3100" Denney

My 6450 will be in my hands in November!