Posted by Brandon Jones on December 03, 2001 at 19:08:47:
In Reply to: Willson vs. Hirsbrunner posted by John on November 30, 2001 at 19:13:17:
I own a Willson, so obviously, I prefer the Willson. The Hirsbrunner's blow very freely in all registers, and honestly, a little more open in the extreme registers (especially the low end for the Hirsbrunner...much more open). The thing I do not like about the Hirsbrunner's is that they are so darn big! They feel big in my hands, and it sounds like a small tuba. The sound just does not project as much as a Willson, yet the Willson sound is still a little darker, but has the "euphonium" timbre to it still. Also, the 1+2 valve combinations on the Hirsbrunner is a little weird. Quite out of tune, and if you move the first valve slide any, the other notes around the horn will be flat. The Willson has a few bad notes as well, but are easier to deal with than on the Hirsbrunner. The Willson just feels better overall.