Willson Eb tuba 3400-FA5s

[GeoffC_UK]

I was loaned a 3400 a few years ago as a tryout. I loved the way it played, but I had to give it back soon because it was remarkably heavy for its size.....

It is rather heavy for sure, GC.
Comparable to my old 1980s Besson and far heavier than its Eb contemporaries built in recent times.

This heavier weight is exacerbated by no obvious hold points when handling, so I take it very easy when lifting about, and would always have my tuba stand close-by.
I am making further engineering tweaks to ancillaries which is helping.
It blows beautifully.
Geoff

[GeoffC_UK]

How it sounds in my clumsy hands using two PT moutpieces.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/ofnZ5QQJh-8[/youtube]

[barry grrr-ero]

The 3400 did not work for me at all. Obviously it does for some other people. I couldn't see the point. I would rather have a good 3/4 CC tuba, possibly rotary. Frankly, it was the single worst tuba I ever owned, but I'm willing to blame myself at least half way. For one thing, I didn't have the prescribed ME mouthpiece. I seriously could not depress all five valves at the same time. I could have made it work for me - maybe! - if I had put a thousand dollars worth work into it. I traded it for a Besson 983 instead. In my book, no comparison.

[GeoffC_UK]

Here is the hard case I bought with my Willson.
This just gives you an idea of the fit.
https://youtu.be/Bd6lcv501Ts