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Hi I was wondering if anyone could Compare the Kalison Pro 2000 with the Wilson 3050? Is it true that the Kalison is a 6/4 tuba? I own the Wilson but I am thinking of selling it for the Kalison.

WARNING! HIGHLY OPINIONATED MATERIAL AHEAD.

There is NO WAY I would sell the Willson to get a Kalison. EVERY person I know who bought a Kalison, sold it eventually. The Willson is superior in every way: quality of sound, intonation, pitch, evenness of playing, response, projection, fit & finish, quality of workmanship. Plus, since it is a superior instrument, it holds its value better, so makes a wiser investment. I have never played a Kalison I would consider for purchase.

Dude, keep the Willson.

What Tony said!

The only way I would sell or trade that Willson for a Kalison would be if I was consciously deciding to downgrade my equipment. I consider the Willson to be one of the top 5 tuba makers, in terms of consistent quality. The former Kalison company made some good tubas, but they just did not measure up to a Willson.

I haven't ever done a side by side, so I can only go on memory. But I found the Wilson to be a slow responding instrument. One that requires you to "force" it to be resonant. Where as on my Kalison it responds very quickly and is very resonant. Little effort is needed to get it to sing. As far as quality of build goes, I have absolutely no complaints about the fit and finish on my Kalison. I can't speak about the fit and finish of the Wilson, as I've only played it a short while in an elephant room.

To the "I've never known anyone that owned a Kalison that didn't end up selling it" claim. That same statement could be said for every tuba out there. As with all brass players, we are all equipment jockeys and eventually sell what we have to try something new/different.

Yes I feel safe in saying the Kalison 2000 Pro is indeed a 6/4 instrument.

By the simple fact that in this very thread there are diametrically opposed opinions about the two instruments in question, you should realize that what matters most is your opinion since you will be the one playing it. Try it out and see if you like it better.

I have to say that what Tony and Lee seem to be displaying is gear snobbery. Wilson is a better, more well thought of company in there minds. Therefor MUST make better tubas. There is some truth to that type of claim, but it doesn't make it categorically true. You can get a Kalison 2000 Pro for $4K to $5K or less if you get lucky, which is less than what a 3050 goes for used. There must be a "reason" that they are the cheapest BAT out there I suppose. Wilson has obviously earned its reputation, as has Kalison. But considering the same model of tuba from a manufacturer can vary widely from one tuba to the next even from the best of brands, the only way to honestly judge a tuba is by playing it and judging it on it's own merits. Reputation can guide you a little, but it shouldn't make your decision for you.

Willsons are made with pretty heavy metal and are braced pretty heavily. IMO, this makes them play kind of "stiff" compared to some other makes. This works fine for some people, but if it's not your thing I could see liking a different instrument better -- even if that instrument isn't regarded by most as being a better tuba.

TYA wrote:Hi I was wondering if anyone could Compare the Kalison Pro 2000 with the Wilson 3050? Is it true that the Kalison is a 6/4 tuba? I own the Wilson but I am thinking of selling it for the Kalison.

I'm a big fan of the Willson tubas, but you need to find the right horn for you. I would try any tuba before I agreed to the transaction, though. With certainty, someone would be very pleased to own a Willson 3050.

You know, I haven't played a 3050 but the I find the 3100 that everyone on the internet complains about to be a reasonably well balanced and surprisingly easy playing tuba. It's actually kinda bright compared to it's (not the same type of horn but similar horns considered) competitors- big MWs, 1291 Bb, 191, Miraphone 6/4,... If anything that big front valve Besson Bb is awkwardly balanced; that thing plays ok but is a train wreck of a layout. I've never heard a Kalison I didn't hate.

I do think the Willson Eb's (the Erickson and the new, fun to hold small Eb) play well but their heft holds them back a bit.

Kalison - lighter
Wilson - heavier
That is the objective part. You can fill in the rest yourself, depending on opinion.

Bob Kolada wrote:You know, I haven't played a 3050 but the I find the 3100 that everyone on the internet complains about to be a reasonably well balanced and surprisingly easy playing tuba. It's actually kinda bright compared to it's (not the same type of horn but similar horns considered) competitors- big MWs, 1291 Bb, 191, Miraphone 6/4,... If anything that big front valve Besson Bb is awkwardly balanced; that thing plays ok but is a train wreck of a layout. I've never heard a Kalison I didn't hate.

I do think the Willson Eb's (the Erickson and the new, fun to hold small Eb) play well but their heft holds them back a bit.

No offense intended, but You have a unique sound concept. And based on your posts over the last several years, I'd say it is quite your own and shared by very few. So you saying you love the sound would be a "stay away" indicator to me, you saying you hate the sound would be a "worth a listen".

NDSPTuba wrote:I have to say that what Tony and Lee seem to be displaying is gear snobbery. Wilson is a better, more well thought of company in there minds. Therefor MUST make better tubas. There is some truth to that type of claim, but it doesn't make it categorically true. You can get a Kalison 2000 Pro for $4K to $5K or less if you get lucky, which is less than what a 3050 goes for used. There must be a "reason" that they are the cheapest BAT out there I suppose. Wilson has obviously earned its reputation, as has Kalison. But considering the same model of tuba from a manufacturer can vary widely from one tuba to the next even from the best of brands, the only way to honestly judge a tuba is by playing it and judging it on it's own merits. Reputation can guide you a little, but it shouldn't make your decision for you.

NDSPTuba wrote:

Bob Kolada wrote:You know, I haven't played a 3050 but the I find the 3100 that everyone on the internet complains about to be a reasonably well balanced and surprisingly easy playing tuba. It's actually kinda bright compared to it's (not the same type of horn but similar horns considered) competitors- big MWs, 1291 Bb, 191, Miraphone 6/4,... If anything that big front valve Besson Bb is awkwardly balanced; that thing plays ok but is a train wreck of a layout. I've never heard a Kalison I didn't hate.

I do think the Willson Eb's (the Erickson and the new, fun to hold small Eb) play well but their heft holds them back a bit.

No offense intended, but You have a unique sound concept. And based on your posts over the last several years, I'd say it is quite your own and shared by very few. So you saying you love the sound would be a "stay away" indicator to me, you saying you hate the sound would be a "worth a listen".

No offense intended, but I have to say that what NDSPTuba seems to be displaying is owner defensiveness in a puerile attempt to convince himself of the validity of his choice of tuba.

mclaugh wrote:
No offense intended, but I have to say that what NDSPTuba seems to be displaying is owner defensiveness in a puerile attempt to convince himself of the validity of his choice of tuba.

Probably some of that. But Not too much, because I still hold to the belief that you are judged by what comes out of your case before you ever play a note. And as shown by this thread alone, I'd be judged poorly. I fully recognize this, and because of it, if I where to ever find a horn that plays as well but from a "more reputable" manufacturer I'd make the change.

I guess it was a little bit of a shock to find some hold Kalison in such low regard. I had thought it was on a little better standing. I kinda feel those guys defending the Chinese made horns.

NDSPTuba wrote: But I found the Wilson to be a slow responding instrument.

Try the Willson rotary models if you prefer a quicker response.
From my experience (I own one), the response is very, very good.

Simply put, only one of these companies is still in business (ignoring G&P, which is largely a mystery to many folks).

If you can afford a Willson, go for it. You probably won't hate it. And if you do, you'll have a whole lot easier of a time reselling it (as a non-store regular person) than you would convincing someone "I swear, it's one of the good Kalisons!"

That said, I'm sure there are plenty of great Kalisons, and plenty of bargains to be had on excellent tubas. Try before you buy.

Thank you everyone for you replies. This thread was more to find out about the Kalison because I have the Wilson. I love the horn the only thing it is a title on the heaver side for me and I wouldn't mind something lighter. Although I do agree with everyone who said the Wilson(mines is a Kurath) have some of the nicest sound around and it is well built.

I knew that my response would generate some serious dissension, thus my advisory. As always, one should purchase the instrument that makes the sound you are seeking. If you love the Kalison sound, by all means, make your purchase. The question was thrown out there and, as in all discussions, I threw my 2 cents' worth into the discussion. Based on my experience playing samples of both instruments, I stand by my opinion. I didn't think I was exhibiting brand snobbery. Right now, I own Mirafones, Hirsbrunners, an Alexander and two Yamahas, in addition to the Willson. I apologize if my response came off as such.

tclements wrote:I knew that my response would generate some serious dissension, thus my advisory. As always, one should purchase the instrument that makes the sound you are seeking. If you love the Kalison sound, by all means, make your purchase. The question was thrown out there and, as in all discussions, I threw my 2 cents' worth into the discussion. Based on my experience playing samples of both instruments, I stand by my opinion. I didn't think I was exhibiting brand snobbery. Right now, I own Mirafones, Hirsbrunners, an Alexander and two Yamahas, in addition to the Willson. I apologize if my response came off as such.

I always enjoy your posts, Tony. We're all entitled to our opinions . . . if someone else thinks you're being snobby, that's their opinion and their problem.