My current horn is a 35 years old Hirsbrunner 378. Although it is a very nice horn, it can be a little unresponsive at times (probably mostly due to my lousy embouchure and breathing technique). Also, its age is starting to show and there will come a moment that I have to send it to a repairman. If that is the case, I want to have a back-up instrument. I am even considering using the Hirsbrunner as back-up and use the new horn as main instrument.
At first I was thinking of the Wessex Dolce, but that was before I realised the Festivo is compensating as well. The reasons I am now considering the Festivo over the Dolce are:
1. the ergonomic layout of the valves, as I tend to get sore neck/shoulders after long rehearsal;
2. the supposedly better projection and free blowing, with the 'unresponsive' Hirsbrunner in mind.
Would it be wise to choose the Festivo over the Dolce, with these two considerations in mind? As a former Tuba player, I already have experience with the front-valve setup (I used to play a Kalison CC model 'Daryl Smith'), so that will be easy enough to get used to again. Also the fact that the bell is turned the other way is not a big deal in my Community Band.
Also, I am in doubt over wich finish I should choose. I don't know if it really does make a big difference in sound, or is it mainly cosmetic? I had read somewhere that the Festivo's sound is a little brighter, so I was thinking that Lacquered finish might be better as it makes the sound a little darker than Silver finish, but this could just as well be a myth.
Therefore, I am interested in your opinions on both matters.