Help in central Florida

[Homerun]

Anyone in or around central Florida own a Wilson or Kurath 3050 that would be willing to give me 30 minutes to play on their horn? I've been wanting to investigate the large Wilson tubas and may have an opportunity to acquire one, but I've never played on one before.

[Chris Olka]

I can't help you out with trying one but can say I've played a number of them. I think that they are well built, in-tune, and friendly instruments. They are a bit heavy in construction and as such lack a little bit of color in the sound. Other than that, I have no real negatives to offer on them. If you can get it at a good price it might be worth while.
Good luck,
Chris Olka
Seattle Symphony
Seattle Opera

[Homerun]

Thank you, Chris. Have you played a MW 5450? How would you compare the two?

Side note: I absolutely detest asking people which horn they would play. So much of it is personal preference. However, with my particular situation, I may have nothing to go on but opinions of others.

[Chris Olka]

It depends on your use of the horn.

The WIlson would be a great all-around horn with a big, dark, round sound. Would work well in a band. THe MW would be a lit-up, aggressive, edgy sound unless you finesse it. The MW projects like gang-busters but is hard to tuck into an ensemble when you want to blend. Not a problem with the Wilson. Both are great horns. I think if I was going to audition for orchestra jobs full time I would hand-pick a MW. If I was free-lancing and played in a band I'd go with the Wilson, sight-unseen. WIlson's have been very consistent with quality control, the MWs have been hit or miss, though better as of the last few years. The pitch and low registers of both are great, though a little different. Valves on Wislons have been fantastic in my experience. MW valves can be great or .......problematic.

Hope that helps....flame-on Tubenet snipers,
Chris Olka

[Homerun]

Thanks again, Chris. I agree with your assessment of the MW.

I currently own a Thor, and got one of the lucky ones, per se. I put a PVAK on it recently, and really felt the valves open up. Slurs also became a little easier to make smooth. I really do appreciate the opinion and assessment.

[MikeMason]

There r 2 guys in mobile who have one .let me know and I'll set up a trial for u...