Posted by David Carter on February 27, 2004 at 09:37:33:
In Reply to: Price of Horn (981)? posted by Matt G. on February 26, 2004 at 22:17:13:
I've played extensivly both the 983 and the Boosey 782 (basically like a Besson 982-the smaller leadpipe than the 81) I my opinion the 983 has a very attractive tone, and very easy response, and is a good choice as a solo bass tuba, or an alternative to an F tuba. But if you want your E flat to be more of an all around tuba, and substitute for a small or meduim CC, then you are better off with the 981 0r 982. There are a couple of reason for this, the 19 inch bell gives a broader tone which will help in large ensembles. The 3+1 configuration is easier to play when you are spending a lot of time playing contrabass parts with the 4th valve down. And the larger leadpipe of the 981 (which can be put on a 982) helps with putting out a lot of sound.
New they can be found as low as the mid 5 grand range, used about half of that depending on condition. Hope this helps