Posted by Don Shirer on January 09, 2004 at 19:11:59:
In Reply to: good Eb tuba posted by me on January 09, 2004 at 13:30:35:
I recently jumped back into tuba playing after a 50 year layoff, so you can understand why I picked a relatively small and easier-to-lug Yamaha 321 Eb tuba rather than having to tote a huge Bb or C instrument.
Nevertheless I have no trouble holding up (or overpowering) a small jazz group and I appreciate the slightly more agile behaviour of the smaller tuba. In a community band, I welcome the added depth of two fellow players with BBb's when the notes occasionally dip below low Bb (below the staff), but on one open air concert when the other two were ill, I was able to hold down the bass line with a bit of extra effort.
I have never had the privilege of playing a Willson, but many others say they are a better bet for large band and orchestra gigs.