Marzan tubas....?

kegmcnabb · Post by **kegmcnabb** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:47 pm

I found a really neat little Marzan 4 piston BBb at a local shop. The leadpipe is stamped Switzerland. Anybody have any info on these?

Craig

Lew · Post by **Lew** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 6:22 am

Since it says Switzerland, it was made by Willson. These horns were designed by Dr. Marzan, manufactured by Willson, and imported by DEG. One of the unique features of these horns is a main tuning slide on the top so it can be manipulated easily with the left hand.

There were 2 different 4 valve piston BBb tubas available, but I'm not sure of all of the differences in specs. I have not played a piston Marzan, but have heard that the BBb's have better intonation tendencies than the equivalent CC horns. Overall they are nice sounding and playing horns.

$2500 is a reasonable price for this horn.

kegmcnabb · Post by **kegmcnabb** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 9:00 am

Thanks for the info. This one is piston, not rotary. I really like its compact design yet full size sound. I think I will go back to the shop this morning and play it some more. Another musical instrument in the house....that should please the spousal unit to no end

Craig

Lars Trawen · Post by **Lars Trawen** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 4:46 pm

I had one of these Marzan/Willson Bb-piston horns for a couple of years playing in a military band.
It was a nice little marching horn, well in tune and the pistons worked good all the time. Of course they demanded their share of maintenance but I had no problems. Very comfortable ergonomics by the way.
For a larger band the horn is too small, especially if you are the only tubist. Now I have a MW 200, a huge Kaisertuba.
For what it's worth,
Lars

TubeNet

Marzan tubas....?

Marzan tubas....?

thanks