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Miraphone 1291 Vs.
Willson 3100s Vs.
Meinl Wesson 195

Gentlemen I am in the process of making a decision on buying and i would like some feedback on these three horns. I havent been sold on the Whole CC Trend Just quite yet. But i neen an Orchestral Quality horn in Bb.
Ive gotten Some good advice just looking for more.

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bloke wrote:There might be a couple of perfect condition Holton BB345 tubas with tricked-out slides surfacing late this winter or sometime in the spring...??

But will they be the latest and greatest and have names attached to them? Maybe if you called them something like the Holton BB345 "Paul Bunyan" college kids would be all ears.

These are all three highly competent instruments, and I've had at least a few minutes with all of them.

The 3100 is quite large and makes a huge sound. But I found it rather disconnected from me. Those who have played this and the 3050 successfully have been the sorts of players who do not need much direct feedback from the instrument.

The 1291 isn't as big, though it makes a big sound. I prefer the rotary version, though. Even so, they still seem to demand more air for the product, and those who love them are able to provide that air.

The 195 is plainly a great tuba. Of the examples of these three models I've played, this one was the most responsive and made the most of what I had to offer.

I didn't prefer any of these to my Holton, however. (Scooby won't read this message, because this is what he'll expect me to say.) But I say it only because of the little cryptic Blokian message above. A good Holton (note key word) provides much more feedback than a 3100, makes a more Yorkish sound than a 195, and puts a broader floor under the ensemble than will a 1291. And, with the right approach the the right mouthpiece, it will do that without being woofy and unfocused. But it may take more work in the pitch department.

Rick "who would want to keep a 5/4 Rudy on the list, too" Denney

I agree about the Rudy 5/4. Fantastic instrument. From my time playing the 3 instruments you mentioned. The 1291 isn't in the same zipcode as the other 2. I would choose the Fafner personally, but if you could find one of the early '90's Willson rotary monster BBb's, they are fantastic horns.