30 Years of Willson Euphoniums

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:16 am

Just finished cleaning/restoring an early (medium bore) 1974 Willson 2900 for a friend, so decided to compare pics with the two (large bore) I own from 1992 and 2004 (lacquer).

Apart from the older one having a smaller bore, both in the leadpipe and through the valves, there are very few changes. The design of the valve caps and the braces on the valve slides. The older leadpipe is set at a quarter inch difference and angles slightly more towards 90 degrees than the later two.

The older one plays extremely well for its age/bore, with the later one having the easiest response in the top register by far.

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... wtrio5.jpg

CB

Sam Gnagey · Post by **Sam Gnagey** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:46 am

How is the pitch on them? I had an older one in my shop a couple of weeks ago and was astounded at how sharp the Fs were.....about 30 cents. Made me appreciate my big Mirafone all the more. Of course that effected all the notes played off those overtones. If this is chronic with Willsons how do players deal with it?

Highams · Post by **Highams** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:39 pm

Can't say any of that applies to these over here in the UK. The contributing thing I can suggest is the large receiver, (fitted as standard over here for many years).

They do play sharp with Wick m/pieces though, but that pretty much happens on most B & H and Yamahas too.

CB