My .02 cents from someone that’s never been paid to play and does it simply because I enjoy it. I’ve never searched for that magical mouthpiece however I try to find one that fits my face, gives me the sound I want, and try to balance flexibility, endurance etc. Yea there’s horns that can be ...

1 Ton Tommy wrote: Sun Dec 07, 2025 6:54 pm I predict you'll love it. It took me a few months to really develop my sound on it and it just keeps getting better.

It’s my first Eb, figured easier on my brain with a trumpet and a flugel in the mix…

JJ

catgrowlB wrote: Sat Dec 06, 2025 10:27 pm Is this the new 'Gabriel Capet' model Willson Eb?
Looks like a fun tuba

Yes, although no one can tell me what changed to warrant the name change from the original compact.

JJ

Maybe it’s me, I’ve had that mouthpiece a couple times over the years never worked for me.

JJ

Only took 6 years lol…
Will update after spending some time with it.
Willson 3400S Eb compact.

JJ

I’m a little late to the party, you can’t go wrong with those mentioned. However I can’t recommend the 289 highly enough. Not only is it rare on this side of the pond but its ergonomics for me were great. Had I seen that one at dillions I would’ve jumped on it. Otherwise I’d look hard at the YBB 623 ...

Most of you probably know this, but...

I've bought a bunch of stuff from Germany over the last few years. One thing that I detest more than most things is tubas missing thumb rings, and them getting lost and subsequently not included in the sale of the instrument.

If you have a new(er) MW/B&S ...

The GR51 is a nice tuba. The GR55 is even just a little bit nicer. :tuba:


I played one back when I got my 289, I’m just wanting a smaller horn at this point so the Willson or possibly the Yamaha 623…

JJ


Just keep in mind that with a Willson, smaller probably does not mean lighter ...

bort2.0 wrote: Sun Nov 30, 2025 10:40 pm The GR51 is a nice tuba. The GR55 is even just a little bit nicer.

I played one back when I got my 289, I’m just wanting a smaller horn at this point so the Willson or possibly the Yamaha 623…

JJ

Maybe it’s because winter is upon us, or I find I have more time on my hands. But ever since I played the Willson 3400 compact at ITEC it’s been at the top of my wishlist. Now there’s two in stock within driving distance. I’ve never owned an Eb. But since I foolishly sold my Miraphone 289 I figured ...

I appreciate the detailed response, J winter finally replied and suggested the 995 front action from their line but it’s big on all fronts.

JJ

The 1204V looks to be bigger than the 1207V.

Looking for a hard case that fits a Willson 3400 compact. The MTS 1205V is close but snug on bell size 16” vs 16.7”, the 1207V requires extra padding. I talked to MTS and they did say there’s about a 1/2” of give in their padding. J Winter 2088CF was recommended but seems to be out of stock ...