Originally Posted by
miketeachesclass
Regardless, the 2960 has a lead pipe that is off the bell, and the 2960-TA-UK has a "larger" lead pipe that Willson says puts the horn even more squarely in brass band territory. I ordered a UK leadpipe from Willson, and will probably have mine switched. We'll see!
The UK leadpipe was prototyped by Charley Brighton on his personal 2900. He purchased a York Eminence leadpipe and receiver from leftover stock when York went belly up. He had it installed on his 2900BTS. It made a very positive difference in the horn and so he worked with Willson to have the "-UK" versions outfitted with this leadpipe. I did the same thing to my Besson 967 Sovereign (2002) in order to make my Sovereign play more like a Prestige (w/o trigger). Again a very good result.
Adams E3 0.60 Sterling bell - Prototype top sprung valves
Concord Band
Winchendon Winds
Townsend Military Band