WILLSON 3060-FA5 CC-TUBA "MERLIN"

[Polar Brass]

Anyone who has tried the new CC-tuba "MERLIN" from Willson yet?

It surely looks like an interesting instrument!

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From the factory press kit:

Versatility is the fundamental concept which guided the conception of this new tuba: as one does not necessarlily have a B flat tuba, a 6/4 CC tuba and a F tuba readily available at home….
The Merlin 3060-FA-5 is comfortable in many configurations sets, from grand symphonic orchestra to brass quintet.
This tuba is the fruit of a successful collaboration between the Willson Brass team, an ergonomic designer, a luthier, many artists, and each detail has been studied, tested and validated:
- a new valve block based on the 3050/3100 series was specially developed by Kurt Intonation: Kurath, with optimized bores and new connection angle, resulting in a perfect in tune intonation.
- we redesigned the entire tubes and slides architecture, as well as the intermediary Flexibility: junctions to optimize the air flow and the resonance in the tuba body, for an exceptional ease of play.
- result of extensive studies, the Merlin 3060-FA5 has a particularly Compact design ergonomy: compact construction offering numerous handling possibilities regardless of the musician’s size, and developing a 5/4 sound quality in a 4/4 format.
- Merlin is at both time a smooth and an aggressive tuba. You can play very Sound capabilities: softly when needed and also very loud and with a big projection.

Merlin is very accurate with a nice feedback in tune. Very, very flexible and centred. Easy to manage. And at least, all the solides are easy to access.
Pitch: C
Size: 5/4
Bore: 19,0mm - 0.748” (1+2+3) / 20,0mm - 0.787” (4) / 20,5mm - 0.807” (5)
Non compensating 4 valves and 1 ROTAX Rotary Valve
Weight: 9,0kg - 19,84 lbs
Height: 900mm - 35,43”
Bell diameter: 440mm - 17,32”
Finish: lacquered, silverplated and more

[Somarithedark]

I have, at the DC Army Workshop last earlier this year

It packs a punch for it's weight class.... makes me want to switch from my york copy. Amazing response and has a great sound!

[Scott Sutherland]

Played it at NAMM. Strongly considering marking this my main CC. It's that good.