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Can anyone ID this Willson BBb tuba (Compensator) and give an approximate age? Case looks old!
It weighs a lot! Blows well.

Dang, that third valve slide is EPIC. When I finally do get around to getting an actual tuba and not just a euphonium, I'm still torn on EEb compensating or BBb. I wish they had gotten more popular over here in the states so there would be more around on the used market.

No entirely helpful but I do remember seeing a 1994 model for sale that had an 'old fashioned' case instead of the more modern plastic ones that Besson et al were using at the time. So I don't think the case is a good giveaway to its age.


Out of curiosity how does it play? I am guessing more like a good 994 (is there such a thing haha) than a NEO because of the weight. Saying that the best of the 994 type ones I played was Dean Morley's LMI model, that instrument was way better than any 994 I played, but I prefer the clarity of a NEO over a 994.

If its any help, I've an EEb version of the same purchased new in approx 1988-89 with a very similar coffin case. Very similar valve/ slide wrap to the current 3400 model but with a 17" bell rather than 19" as I think is current. They were imported to the UK by someone in North London (?Camden ?Pro Brass, now long defunct). Mine also didnt originally have a water key on 1st or 3rd as shown here so probably/ maybe around the same time"ish"

Patrase wrote: Out of curiosity how does it play? I am guessing more like a good 994 (is there such a thing haha) than a NEO because of the weight. Saying that the best of the 994 type ones I played was Dean Morley's LMI model, that instrument was way better than any 994 I played, but I prefer the clarity of a NEO over a 994.

I had an LMI once, predecessor to Deanos! Anyway, Id say better than a Sov, not as good as a Neo, and VERY heavy and a bit stuffy downstairs. The clarity was it's downfall compared to the Neo, and it is just so heavy to get about!