Posted by Chuck(G) on May 12, 2001 at 15:24:41:
In Reply to: Meinl-Weston 25 v. "Handy" model posted by Emily Fogg on May 12, 2001 at 14:26:31:
We're discussing two completely different animals here. The MW 18 is a 3/4 size smallish BBb and the MW 25 is a 4/4 instrument. So it depends mostly on what you're looking for.
The MW 25 would be hard to fault as an all-around BBb, but it's been a standard item in MW's line for years and years. The 18 might be better for ensemble work.
Prices are largely subject to availability and dealer markup. The last time I looked, Dave Fedderly had a bunch of 25's that were very attractively priced.
But by all means, don't confine yourself to MW instruments; there are quite a number of really decent BBb instruments in the $3-5,000 range. Play a few and draw your own conclusions.
There are some who would advise you to get a CC instead of a BBb, but that all depends on what you intend to do in college. The BBb-vs.-CC issue has been rehashed many times on this board and it comes down to what YOU (and your teacher) prefer.