TubeNet

Just a question to the gang. I've been considering adding a Bb to go with my CC. Been looking at a MW11 and a King 1241. I like that the top action valves better than front action. ( personal bias). I have not had a chance to play either horn but am looking for a Bb with a smaller bore than I'm currently playing. (.770) ( also a lighter horn since I have past the big 6-0 mark)

What would the differences in playability be?

I have played a Meinl Weston only briefly a few times, but I found it to be more nimble than the King (which is what I play as my main horn). I believe it's a slightly smaller bore than the King, but I'm not certain. I found the ergonomics of the MW hard to deal with for any length of time. It just didn't seem to find a spot on my lap it liked without my hands/arms getting fatigued. I really like the sound of both of them. The MW would be lighter (weight-wise) than the King. It's just smaller/more compact overall.

Hope this helped!

Either 4/4 or 3/4 Bb, nothing larger. Or at the most the same bore as my MW. I'm partial to the MW sound with my 16.75 bell but that not to say I'm not open to different set ups.

tuben wrote:
.....and hopefully without the 'nutbuster' ball.

...or the $260 "economy" shipping.

There are lots of the Miraphone equivalent of MW11 on Ebay right now. I would suspect it holds its own against the MW.

Bessons can have an awesome tone and intonation but take a strong player. Playing a Besson is like going to the tuba gym, they take both a high airflow and strong support at the same time. Not the choice if you're looking for an easier blow, it's as butch a tuba as a 6/4.

If you are stricken by indecision, Olds O-99 is like a mini King 1241 so it's a compromise between your two choices.

Go with the Olds 99. 7/8 size and has unreal sound for no bigger than it is.

edsel585960 wrote:Go with the Olds 99. 7/8 size and has unreal sound for no bigger than it is.

+1