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I'm having a hard time finding information that clearly distinguishes the difference between the older 181's-like the few I've seen in the for sale section- and the Bel Canto 181. where does the Bel canto 381 fit in all this?

The 381 is lighter weight, and is made of gold brass. It has less oomposo bazooka power than the 181, but it has a clarity of tone and spark in the sound that reminds me of the magic that is Alexander.

Ferguson

381 and 181 belcanto are both belcanto's.

381 as said earlier, is the the lightweight version, or Solo version. It has thinner outer bows, a leadpipe attached to the bell (181 belcanto is detached), and I believe has some gold-brass in it as well. They are both the same size, just different materials used in construction.

I don't have any experience with the older 181's, maybe someone else could chime in?