Willson 2900 euph with a large receiver?
-
JTJ
- bugler
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:21 pm
- Location: Chapel Hill NC
If I were DEG, I would at least import the large receiver version of the 2900 as a special order item. There is no reason it could not be sold in the US. Doing so might actually grow market share for Willson (assuming, of course, they could grow production). The smaller receiver setup is less "consumer preferences" than the particular choice of one or two very influential performers. It produces a distinctive sound, almost always recognizable when heard, which has become a de facto standard among certain American musicians.
But the American euphonium practice is growing beyond the DC band roots. Brass bands are more and more popular. The wonderful, singing, English euphonium sound has become known to us, if only through recordings, in the last decade or two. The market for high end euphoniums is stronger than ever. Players want more options, especially with mouthpieces. A more open, free blowing 2900, with the huge array of mouthpiece choices available in the large receiver, can only be good for Willson in the American market.
But the American euphonium practice is growing beyond the DC band roots. Brass bands are more and more popular. The wonderful, singing, English euphonium sound has become known to us, if only through recordings, in the last decade or two. The market for high end euphoniums is stronger than ever. Players want more options, especially with mouthpieces. A more open, free blowing 2900, with the huge array of mouthpiece choices available in the large receiver, can only be good for Willson in the American market.
-
JTJ
- bugler
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:21 pm
- Location: Chapel Hill NC
The large shank 2900s are now a reality in the USA. I just played one for an hour, using an SM3, at The Tuba Exchange. I liked it and bought it. The only complaint are the stiff valves of a new horn.
Same general Willson sound, but it plays much more open than the medium shank 2900 (which, for me, always played like someone stuffed a sock in it). And, for me, it also sounded more open than the medium shank 2900 -- a little more cantabile, a little less massive, no tubbyness at all. Definitely a euphonium as opposed to a tenor tuba.
No technical issues. Slots well, plays in tune, the very high range is secure.
It's a sweet horn.
John
Same general Willson sound, but it plays much more open than the medium shank 2900 (which, for me, always played like someone stuffed a sock in it). And, for me, it also sounded more open than the medium shank 2900 -- a little more cantabile, a little less massive, no tubbyness at all. Definitely a euphonium as opposed to a tenor tuba.
No technical issues. Slots well, plays in tune, the very high range is secure.
It's a sweet horn.
John
-
Highams
- pro musician
- Posts: 793
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:17 am
- Location: Slough, Berkshire, England
- Contact: