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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 now would be the time for a change. So I’m at least gonna take a test drive, And also check out the GR51 they have as well.
I’ve also noticed stock is down at the usual suspects, and there’s some new smaller BBb horns since I was in the market (Yamaha 623, Hagen 494) the 289 was more horn than I’ll ever need but man it was nice. And honestly for my intended use BBb or Eb will work just fine. Or I can try and wait it out until the army conference. The struggle is real…

JJ

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

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

It was a very long time ago I played a small Willson F that had (IIRC) four pistons. I tried to buy it but the owner had hired someone to put it on ebay and that person wouldn't give it back. I was then a horn player only, had only tooted on a couple of tubas, and remember saying to self, "Oh, I could PLAY this one!" If I had gotten it I wonder if my tuba path would have been different.

Jerryleejr wrote: Mon Dec 01, 2025 5:39 am

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

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

MikeS wrote: Mon Dec 01, 2025 10:39 am

Jerryleejr wrote: Mon Dec 01, 2025 5:39 am

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

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

Oh I’m familiar

I can second that opinion. My Willson is 9 lb. heavier than the old martin 4V Eb I'd been playing for decades. But I'm not going back. The Willson is a wonderful instrument. That said, Eb fingerings are more difficult than Bb in some keys on some pieces.

I’d go Eb without hesitation if it were me. Those Willsons are just so freaking good. Even with the Willson weight, they won’t be as bad as the big BBb’s.

We spoke about this a little bit already, but that 3400C is just killer.