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If you can find a MW 11, I'd say YES to it.

I couldn't find one, ended up with a Weril J680. It's good, plays well, well built, but it's not the horn that the MW is.
The Weril is quite similar to the YBB-103, aside from the 4th valve. 103s have been going from about $1,000-$1,600 lately, well worth it IMO.

Is the MW HoJo too big for you?

eupher61 wrote:If you can find a MW 11, I'd say YES to it.

I couldn't find one, ended up with a Weril J680. It's good, plays well, well built, but it's not the horn that the MW is.
The Weril is quite similar to the YBB-103, aside from the 4th valve. 103s have been going from about $1,000-$1,600 lately, well worth it IMO.

I had a 103 and recently sold it. I've also got a Weril J680 that I intend to sell, and I think it plays closer to the ybb-621 than the 103. Bigger sound than the 103. Iirc, its bore is a little bigger than the 103 (and smaller than the 621). 621's a nicer-playing horn, imo, but not enough for me to justify the additional $$ over the Weril. They're all over-blowable (i.e. smaller-ensemble horns) but the ergonomics are great for schlepping around; easy to transport and light enough for standing gigs on my tender lower back.

'course, this is all moot, because the 103, 621, and j680 are all front-action and the OP wants top, but having owned 3 j680s and a 103 (and having played a 621), thought I'd add my two cents.

I've said it once and I'll say it yet once again, a newer Jupiter 478 is a fantastic option...

ah...I missed the top valve indication.

MW 11. No question, no comparison. IF you can find one.

I have a bass bone playing friend who has an M-W 11 that he doubles on. Definitely the best for a 3/4 upright valve. Baltimore Brass gets them in occasionally, and even occasionally will have one used. Put the slit clear plastic tubing around the bell and use a Wick 3L or other similar deep funnel mouthpiece not too large in diameter with a good open backbore, and it will function very well.

Conn 10J

I don't think I would go with a Besson, based on the one that I have had a chance to play. It's a bit later than the 2-20, but has the same general design. It is built like a tank, but it does not play well at all. Inflexible and stiff, about the only thing it has going for it (this being a particularly beat-up example) is that it has valves that will always move.