Most of us aren't in the same league with Mr. Roberts so it is immatierial what he can do, which is amazing. I haul that extra weight around every day because it makes it easier for me to play what is on the page with a reasonable degree of accuracy. I'm an arthritic 62 and it's worth every pound. I'm of the bloke school on this one, "Why settle for a compromise when you don't have to". I also don't like the old rotor horns anymore because when use both valves you get a different sound. I can't stand Thayers because of the long throw and clunky feel. Thank God for Rene' Hagmann.MartyNeilan wrote:Tuba Guy wrote: The ONLY thing you are losing is a litle (HUGE) degree of facility down low.
To answer the OP on the 181, I've had two. My 70's model was a horse. Wish I still had it. When I bought another one in the 90's it was a POS. As for Bach, I've had 2 of those as well. The 60's dependant 101/2" bell was so heavy I didn't keep it long although it played ok. My 80's 50B3O was a dog, it would literaly bark on it's own. I do like the Custom horns of various ilks but am perfectly happy with my Besson 943R independent, and they can be had used with Hagmanns for less than $1000 occaisionally.
