Posted by John Szkutko on September 30, 2001 at 04:01:59:
In Reply to: about to buy a solo horn posted by buyer on September 29, 2001 at 10:23:03:
The 983 is a great little horn! I have one and just love it. It's darker than an F (i've compared it to a PT15 side by side). As for going into the lower register, if you're not comparing it to a 5v non-compensating horn, it IS free blowing and easy.
With regard to my comparison with the PT15, yes, the PT15 was easier to blow in the lower register, but not by much. The difference wouldn't put you off the 983. I had to play a number of times to detect the difference (on the PT15).
As for your $5000, you can easily get a 983, maybe with a bit of change too. (from my experience looking at various web sites and prices). F tuba are more expensive in general i've found.