Posted by Jailbirdwatcher on January 28, 2004 at 09:26:16:
In Reply to: Meinl-Weston 451 posted by KJ on January 28, 2004 at 01:16:35:
I had a MW 451 for about three years and sold it recently. The instrument had a really DARK sound (the reason I purchased it in the first place)and it could take as much air as I am capable of putting out. Construction was also top notch. The valves were very good on mine, although many others on the message boards complained of noise and sluggish action. The particular horn I had possessed some quirky intonation though. However, the only note that could not be corrected by slide adjustment or by "lipping" was the Eb above the staff (bass clef). Word is that the newest of the 451's are much better intonationwise. Play test some horns and take a tuner with you. You will find one that works for you. Do not write off the Miraphones or Bessons either. They are in the same price range.