MW 751 Pheonix Euph...

[cookiemonster]

Has anyone tried the new Meinl Weston 751 Euph?

I currently play on a MW 451 and really enjoy it except for the tuning issues. So I am wondering if this new 751 is worth the money for all the extra gadgets.

[druby]

A number of folks over on Dave Werden's web site have tried the MW751. None of us have spent enough time on the horn to have a solid opinion. I have a few thoughts, however, based on limited data:

In playing one in the TUSABTEC elephant room this year, it was just about the least favorite of all the horns I tried. The horn there had very poor valve action. I also played one at Sam Ash's store in NYC this last week. Valve action was better. Though responsive, both horns seemed "bright" in their sound. The mechanics of the trigger are quite poor. The paddle for the trigger hits the 3rd valve slide and the metal lever is easily bent. Intonation was unknown since it was impossible to tell in the elephant room.

I am not a fan of MW euphs, but if you are considering a larger sounding horn than the MW451, look at the Miraphone 5050, Besson 2052, or Sterling Virtuoso. They are all in the same price range (low $6's to $7K). If you are interested in a more compact sound, the Willson 2900 is tops. (Note: I loved playing the 2900 that was at the show, the 2950 and 2960 not so much).

Doug

[cookiemonster]

druby,

Thanks for the input. My main reason for moving up to that horn was for the trigger (for better intonation) and for good valve action. I find what you say about the valves quite interesting because my current horn's valves are very sluggish. Do you know how this horn would compare to the Besson prestige?

[druby]

I play a Prestige 2051 and a Sterling Virtuoso with 300mm heavy red brass bell. There is NO comparison between these and the MW751 (IMHO). The valve action on the Besson is incomparable. The best in the world. The valve action on the Sterling (uses Bauerfiend valveset) is very good, though not as good as the Besson. Both have great trigger assemblies, the Besson is lighter in action.

[bbocaner]

I'd rather play an instrument with inherently good intonation and no trigger than one with bad intonation with a trigger. Of course, good intonation with a trigger would be the best of both worlds...

[tubinator]

Hi,

I am playing a 551 and really like it, except the tuning. I tried one last year at Musikmesse in Frankfurt. To me it didn´t make much difference and the tuning was about the same as mine. you have to spend some money to buy one. I don´t know if it is worth the money. I played a Miraphone 5050 and I loved it.