Willson Q90

[guidocorona]

Fascinating.... Does a Willson Q91 also exist?

Has anyone seen/heard specs for any Wilson Q euphoniums yet?

I have not found any such specs or other info on google.

Best, Guido

[Shawn]

I am waiting (and waiting and waiting) for the next crack taken at the 2975.

[ann reid]

I am waiting (and waiting and waiting) for the next crack taken at the 2975.

I’m gradually training myself to stop even thinking about a new 2704…..

[iMav]

I played one year on a euphonium with front-facing valve buttons. Aside from a couple of tubas, it’s all been either upright, inline 4 or 3+1.

I assume the front design is more comfortable for some folks?

[tokuno]

I assume the front design is more comfortable for some folks?

I bought the CB-labeled (Canadian Brass) Willson 2975, because I had a lingering forearm soft-tissue injury that would flare when I played a 3+1.
Very comfortable to play and hold, and the benefits included having a left hand free while playing to flip/adjust sheet music (also no lyre necessary for standing) or to dynamically adjust the tuning.
However, the left-facing bell creates some issues for sound and seating arrangements.

[bbocaner]

Bah... it's not a Bourgeois unless Dana Bourgeois selected and voiced the top.

[guidocorona]

ITEC has come and gone.... Has anyone else had the opportunity of playtesting the Q90?

* Impressions?
* Specs?
* Pricing?
* Other sundry information?

Regards, G.

[spkissane]

Playing-wise, I agree with Dave's assessment. The Q90 that was at ITEC is very similar to a 2900 but definitely lighter in the hands. Overall very similar as well to the Shires Q41. Pricing was in line with the other Q series euphoniums. I do suspect the one at ITEC is a prototype, or at least a very early "production" model, so there's not going to be a whole lot of public info just yet. I didn't ask too many "insider" questions because I wanted to be able to share thoughts without accidentally spilling any beans. I don't think there's a plan to bring back the 2975 at this time, though.

My prediction which has *no confirmation or any real basis in reality at the current moment* is that euphonium design (both from Willson and Shires) and production will be shifted over to Willson, allowing Shires to become more focused and to catch up on the enormous backorder situation they currently have.

I was also finally able to try the 2960 and it's a fantastic horn, probably my favorite of the current Willson lineup, although the trigger mechanism was probably the most uncomfortable I've ever tried.

[iMav]

Overall very similar as well to the Shires Q41.

Interesting considering the Eastman EEP826 also seems to be VERY similar to the Shire Q41 to me (I've owned both). (the EEP822 and EEP826 were both designed in partnership with Shires...prior to their Q-series horns being released. They really seem like early iterations of the Q40 and Q41 horns to me.)

[TheJH]

I was also finally able to try the 2960 and it's a fantastic horn, probably my favorite of the current Willson lineup, although the trigger mechanism was probably the most uncomfortable I've ever tried.

Did you try the TA or the TA-UK version of the 2960?