Comment for the group regarding the Hirsbrunner model 479. I was lucky enough to just acquire one new. The last 3 that Peter Hirsbrunner made were available. There were 2 left of the 3. I tried them both. I compared them to a new Willson 2950 that was also available. I had a trusted fellow pro next to me listening. I had several mouthpieces to compare sound and register responses.
Here are the results: The Hirsbrunners were 'canons' of intense laser focus, core, power, and dynamic range. They could also play more diffused and softly like a classic euphonium but the ability to put out massive focused intense power was just overwhelming compared to any Adams, Willson, or Miraphone I have ever tried, hands down. This was an entirely different animal. One of the two HB's was noticeably more that way than the other. Having the Willson next to us, it seemed more diffused was on an entirely different plane of sound. Also, the HB had a massive low register along with a massive clear bright high register. I just can't say enough about it. So, I bought it. I give credit to Robert Coomer who works at HornGuys in Pasadena for his assistance and setting up the experiment.
Steven Norsworthy
steven@rf2bits.com