MW 18 " Handy "

[jamsav]

Looking to possibly upgrade into this " compact " , played it, liked it , love the size .
Does it play " big enough " in concert hall ? Enough tuba to push a 50 piece wind ensemble ? Will I be drowned out in a concert band with two other tubas ? Opinions please ...thanks - edited in response to Pauvogs accurate comments- regarding more info needed...I personally think I d be " underpowered " . I also like the 25 but the diffence in cost is a consideration ...

[joh_tuba]

I wouldn't be so eager to take advice from someone that has never played the horn in question.

Smaller does not mean less sound. Otherwise trumpet wouldn't be nearly so obnoxious.

What *is* different with smaller horns is the character of the sound, NOT the quantity. If you like the sound that it produces(and why wouldn't you?) then you are set.

The MW18 is a killer horn and perfectly suited to cover pretty much anything. It's a gem.

My advice:
Buy it, be happy, and never look back.

[imperialbari]

Wasn’t this model designed for playing St. Louis Blues in a bathroom?

[bigboymusic]

I played in a group with two tubas. Myself on an Alex and a guy who had a MW18. The band was a fairly good municipal group. His horn complimented my horn perfectly. Whenever the parts split, I took the lows he took the highs. With three in the section, I bet the horn works well. Find the right MP! Whenever I played on his 18, it never sounded 'small', just a bit more centered with less overall ring. Almost like some newer 186's I've played. Not the older 186. I have played a couple older 186 models that really have a great depth to them.

[jamsav]

Thank you boys- much appreciated- I have narrowed my choices down to a used MW 25 or a new Nirschl 700- - - a lot to consider...js