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Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 3:13 pm
by bort
Short version -- life is expensive and busy, and I could use money more than a high-end tuba that I barely use.

Long version -- I'm considering selling my tuba around the 1st of the year to free up some cash (and then I would buy a lesser, and less expensive, tuba to hold me over until a point in my life where I'm able to play more often). It hurts to consider selling this, it's strictly a money thing. I really really really like this tuba.

The tuba is a rare rotary Willson 3050RZ CC, and it is truly an outstanding instrument -- extremely easy to play, a HUGE sound (when you want it), quick response, and solid intonation. There is one nickel-sized spot of plating wear from some kind of work done by a previous owner, and there is one small ping on the top bow. Otherwise, there are no dents and very few signs of wear -- I think it's stunning. Build quality is what you would expect from the Swiss. :)

It was built in 2000, and was professionally used for most of its life before recently, when it has changed hands here on TubeNet a few times. Before I got this tuba, it was fully serviced and had new (Miraphone) linkages installed. After I got this tuba, I bought a new Götz gig bag for it. Both the tuba and gig bag have left my house exactly once.

My opinion (I've heard this from others too) -- this is NOT just a piston 3050 with rotary valves. Many people complain about a dead and unresponsive sound on the 3050, and that the "feel" for the player just isn't there. I don't think the 3050RZ has that problem at all, and the response and feel are just great, and is just like any other tuba I've owned... except better. :)

There are only a few minor complaints I have about this:
-- The 5th valve lever should be slightly longer, to make it easier to reach. It's never held me back, but probably something I would have modified at some point. I'm sure it's an easy mod.
-- It's heavy, about 25 pounds. Not a huge problem, and really just a few pounds more than other tubas. But it is a little heavy.

Apart from that, it's just "too much" tuba for me right now, both in terms of physical size and in terms of its value (a brand new one costs nearly $18k).

I have had several unsolicited (and solicited) emails and PMs about this tuba over the past few months, and I have to admit, I've completely lost track of all of them.

Let me know if you might be interested in this great tuba. :tuba:

The price is $8,000 for the tuba and the gig bag. It's worth mentioning that the gig bag alone cost me almost $450, two months ago.

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 11:46 pm
by TubaZac2012
Never played one of this particular model, but I did own a 3050 piston. These are great horns. If you have the air it can take it. It can easily hold up with any size group large and small. The rotor probably give it an even sweeter sound. I've never met Bort, but he's someone that wouldn't do anyone wrong. I've talked with him several times over the years. Good luck on the sale if it even happens.

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:03 am
by bort
Thanks Zac, I appreciate it!

And yeah, I'm harmless, just a regular person like everyone else. I've bought and sold tubas a LOT around here (more than I should have), so if anyone is like "who is that loser?," then at least I can provide some references. :P

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 1:48 am
by bort
Thanks guys! I've got a couple of potential "next things" on the table right now, and I'm sorting through those options now.

Open to hear other ideas, but let me know if you might be interested in this Willson.

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:50 am
by bort
Took the Willson to TubaChristmas yesterday, which was the first time I've played it with a large group and in a large space. I was completely impressed by this tuba, and got several compliments on the sound. I was particularly impressed by the disgustingly easy response from pedal range to above the staff -- this tuba wants to play itself, it needs very little to "go". Even a hack like me can make it sound good. :)

I was also surprised a bit by it's ENORMOUS sound potential. Even in a group of 100+ tubas, I felt like I could search and destroy and bury the group if I wanted to. This also meant it was extremely comfortable to play it at normal and "normal+" volumes. Again, this thing just wants to "go", and doesn't need a lot of pushing.

My only complaint is that the tuba would not prevent me from playing D natural instead of Db (play a D, get a D). I need to get myself one of them "smart tubas" next time, which will take all of the wrong notes I play and correct them before anyone hears them. :P

I'm trying to figure out a way to keep this -- it's too good, and I know I'd hate selling it. Then again, this was just a reminder that this is a high-end tuba that deserves to be played.

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 12:13 pm
by Billy M.
:: Clears throat ::

You will regret selling this tuba.

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2015 7:18 pm
by TubaZac2012
Bump for Bort.

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2015 8:50 pm
by barry grrr-ero
I'm confused. Is this instrument for sale or not? And if so, how much? :tuba:

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 4:53 pm
by bort
Yes, still for sale. I'd been dragging my feet since I knew I would be too busy with the holidays and end-of-semester madness.

Here are a few new pictures of the tuba (excellent condition) and new Gotz bag (literally, has left my house once).

Image

Image

Image

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 5:15 pm
by bort
Whoops, forgot I hadn't added that.

The price for the tuba and bag is $8,000. (Worth mentioning that bag alone cost me about $450 in October.)

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 11:25 pm
by barry grrr-ero
Bort, is that a variable/adjustible receiver on there?

Re: Possibly FS -- Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 11:29 pm
by bort
Yes, its a Dillon AGR. I have the original (Euro) receiver as well, which can easily be reinstalled.

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 11:13 pm
by bort
No longer for sale.

I've spent a lot of time with it over the past few weeks, and realized that this is really what I've wanted out of a CC tuba for the past 15 years. It made me sick to think, what if it takes me another 15 years to find something I like this much? I'll be 50! That's stupid!

Thanks for all the interest, and actually, thanks for not buying it. :tuba:

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 5:30 am
by jonesbrass
bort wrote:No longer for sale.

I've spent a lot of time with it over the past few weeks, and realized that this is really what I've wanted out of a CC tuba for the past 15 years. It made me sick to think, what if it takes me another 15 years to find something I like this much? I'll be 50! That's stupid!

Thanks for all the interest, and actually, thanks for not buying it. :tuba:
Excellent decision! :tuba:

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 6:51 am
by Michael Bush
bort wrote: I'll be 50! That's stupid!
Not sure what to say about that.

Anyway, I agree it makes sense to keep a tuba you love.

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:09 am
by bisontuba
Michael Bush wrote:
bort wrote: I'll be 50! That's stupid!
Not sure what to say about that..
...maybe that's why I like the Chinese so much.......they respect their elder folks....

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:39 am
by bort
Thanks guys. :)

I meant... it'd be stupid to keep chasing my tuba-tail until I'm 50 years old. :oops:

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:02 am
by bort
Well, so long as TubeNet lasts another 15 years, you all will see, publicly, how well that goes for me... :oops:

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:47 am
by bort
bloke wrote:If you and Mark stop buying-and-selling, the tubeconomy might well collapse !
This is just CC tubas, Joe. There will be untold numbers of F tubas to work through, when money allows.

There are some great looking F tubas on the board right now, really wish I could do it now!

Re: Willson 3050RZ

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 12:41 pm
by bisontuba
bloke wrote:If you and Mark stop buying-and-selling, the tubeconomy might well collapse !
:D ....but I am very happy right now...