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I presently play a Miraphone 291. I love the Bruckner but am considering getting an additional horn for a couple of reasons.
1. For quintet playing, I would like something smaller and more “agile”.
2. Years down the road, the Bruckner will likely be too large for an old guy. The instrument I purchase might be my “do it all” instrument for when that time comes.
I considered a Miraphone 184, but that is probably too small for a do it all horn. The 185 and Norwegian Star are options, but they rarely come up used for sale. At this point I am seriously looking at purchasing a new Eastman 853 or a used Meinl Weston 2141 that I have my eye on. If anyone has thoughts about these 2 instruments, or any other pertinent suggestions,I would appreciate it.

Take a look at the John Packer 379 Bb. I bought one from Bloke and it’s a wonderful all-around horn

The JP379B is a compact, light, Piggy-like BBb. The JP379BB is a close copy of the MW 25, and is a pretty big horn. That extra B on the model name makes a lot of difference.

Hello
I test blew a MW-2141.
Found the ergonomics not great - right arm was in strange position when playing.
I have heard similarly from others, so it's not just me.
Eastman 853
Not played it but heard good reports on how well it blows.

Others?? - Besson 983 for comparison only

The MW-2141 5 valve Eb tuba is my daily driver, I find the ergonomics very fine, can play it for hours and hours. But we are build differently, so my good ergonomics can be your bad one. I use a cushion to elevate myself to the right height, this makes a huge difference.

Intonation is good, 4th valve slide easily accessible for low range corrections, warm and stable low range, you can put quite some brillince in the high range too.

You need to test yourself.

Only other Eb I really want to try is the Willson 3400

marccromme wrote: ↑Fri Apr 30, 2021 2:42 pm Only other Eb I really want to try is the Willson 3400

I have a 3400-FA5s.
Very responsive, especially in lower register - quite amazing.
Piston action is very good.
Rotary is ok but not the best I have tried - feels a smidge clunky.
Very well built.
Extremely heavy for its size.
CoG/ weight means no ideal place to grab hold, so you need to be careful when lifting it about.
Not a cheap beastie.
Glad I bought it, overall.
https://youtu.be/Ova9W0WZ1LQ