Willson 3050 at Dillons

[chronolith]

Anybody played this horn and willing to leave a few comments about it?

http://www.dillonmusic.com/p-20090-wilson-3050s.aspx

Thanks.

[Jess Haney]

I have the BBb version and its great. From what I have heard the CC is also a fabulous horn and very consistent in build quality.

[Dean E]

I have not played the one at Dillon Music.

I have a 3050 CC with 5 rotary valves. The horn will rattle the walls, and is wonderful to play.

A drawback is its weight-25.3 pounds. Another drawback on my horn is the very short length on the tuning slide. In the summer I use a sousaphone tuning bit. I have heard that a longer factory tuning slide can be ordered.

[jonesbrass]

I own a 3050. Herr Kurath sent me a longer tuning slide when I told him that the tuba played slightly sharp with the tuning slide all the way out. Its a real powerhouse.

[Jess Haney]

I agree with the bell heaviness. I combat the problem with a cut piece of cabinet bottom liner (the rubber stuff) and I put that against my left inner thigh. It keeps the horn from sinking down while I play and I reach through the horn for the 1st valve. I had all of my slides buffed so they could be moved easily.

[Bob Kolada]

I've played a few of the Bb's and one or two C's and really, I haven't seen any of the characteristics mentioned online. They're not that heavy, they balance just fine, and they don't really play that big- they remind me of the front action Besson comp Bb more than anything else. I actually find them to be kinda brightish. Ymmv...

[chronolith]

Assuming the 3050s are generally consistent (which I do not know) this is all good input, so thanks.

I have read in a number of places that they are a little dead on feedback to the player, but then I saw Paul Krzywicki play one a few years back with Philly and was pretty well blown away.

Right now I am balancing out some choices in which the 3050, the Thor, and the PCK all figure prominently. I am thankful for your comments.

[Bob Kolada]

Sorry, meant, to me, they sound quite similar.

[oedipoes]

Record yourself while playing the Willson, there's a lot more coming out than you would think there is when sitting under the bell...
(but you get used to that)

Wim

[hbcrandy]

I played Paul K's Willson at his house while he had it. It was a reall good tuba. Paul always sounded nicely playing it. But, Paul could make any tuba play well. That tuba is now in the Baltimore area. The lady who currently has it, likes it very much. I have not played it since Sarah bought it, but, she gets a lot of sound out of it.