Eb as a "go to" tuba

[Pat S]

Friends, I've frequently heard that the Eb tuba doesn't have enough depth and low range to function well in a large ensemble setting. I'd love to hear your opinions, as I'm contemplating buying an Eb to play in our Community Band (70 strong, I'd be tuba #3 or 4, depending on who shows up to practice). I'm drawn to the Eb because the fingering pattern feels more natural to me as a long-ago trumpeter, but I play bass clef fingerings on my Bb euph and don't anticipate much trouble with transition to a BBb if needed. I can't buy two horns and really would have some trouble finding my way to a dealer to try out a number of horns and compare them side to side. Your opinions will help me focus my efforts. Thanks!

[Chadtuba]

I've had an Eb only for about 8 years now and love it as a one only tuba. Since you will be one of multiple tubas the Eb can work very well in that setting. I've almost always been part of a section of at least 2-3 tubas since I made the switch so its been nice to have the "lighter" sound of the Eb.

That said, I miss having a large BBb and will one day have the money to get one, but it will be a larger horn such as a Holton 345 or something similar. Until that time though, I don't regret my decision to switch over to Eb.

[Jay Bertolet]

I don't think there are many CC or BBb tubas that a good Eb can't balance well. My Willson 3400S is bigger than most 3/4 contrabass tubas and I just got home from playing an opera tonight that has pedal C and D in it (FF in both cases) and I used my Willson. I'm sure the audience heard me. As with any tuba, play a few different ones and buy the one you like.

[opus37]

I've been exclusively an Eb player for over 30 years. I have no regrets. I play in community band and quintets. I have played in orchestras and been the only tuba many times. I will say the Eb you choose will make a difference. When you need to get those low notes like in Gloria, then you need the 4th valve. For community bands, it depends. I've used a 3 banger a lot. This works when you have a couple of other BBb horns around or the tunes being played do not have the low note requirements. Yes, false tones work, but you'll be happier with the 4th valve. If your community band mostly plays marches and old tunes, any Eb will work. If they play things like Jupiter, then you need the 4th and a bigger horn. If I was going to have one Eb for everything, It would have a 4th valve and be a bit bigger. The Kanstul, Wilson, and Miriphone horns would be on my list. Most others would not be there.

[Lew]

You mention that you will be one of 3 or 4 tubas in a 70 piece ensemble, so an Eb should be a great addition. On the other hand, whether it could serve as the only tuba in such an ensemble depends on the player and the particular model. I have played some Eb's on which I can't get much of the full, resonant sound that I would want if I were the only tuba in a group that size. On the other hand, with my Besson 983 I don't think I would have any issues filling out the bass lines for a 70 piece group. I have used it as the only tuba for a community band with about 50 members with no trouble at all. I still prefer using one of my BBbs if I am alone in a larger group, but it's probably not necessary. They one thing I have found on the Besson is that the pedal range is a little more natural and projects better than on any of the BBbs that I own.

Whatever you decide, I would suggest doing whatever you can to try to get somewhere where you can try out the specific horn you plan to buy. There is a lot of variation not only between different models, but between different tubas of the same model.

[ghmerrill]

When I first started playing tuba in the early 90s, the horn I got was a (used from Vince Simonetti) Yamaha 321S Eb which I played in community band. I was usually one of two or three (sometimes four tubas). However, when I was the only tuba, or there was just one other, this was not so good. Over a period of about three years I decided (I think it was Holst, Wagner, and some Vaughn Williams that did it) that the Eb just wasn't doing it for me. But part of it was just that particular (model of) tuba -- and especially the rather painful use of that fourth valve. If I had had the money at the time, I probably would have gone for a Besson compensating EEb horn -- but that was a LOT of money.

I got a Cerveny BBb and became quite happy with it. Then had about a fifteen year hiatus, and when I came back started to yearn for an Eb horn. As a "trial", I bought the little ancient Buescher 3-banger I have, and after modifying it to actually play in tune, have come to be very fond of it. But I only bring it to community band for "special occasions", and I plan on using it for Tuba Christmas and maybe some "small group" opportunities. But on the basis of how much I liked it, I got the Wessex EEb horn.

I love the 4-valve compensating horn!! It is pretty much a "do it all" tuba for any amateur and for anything you'll likely encounter in community band. If I were a professional or into playing some of the orchestral stuff (or even if I habitually had to play a lot of Wagner), I don't think it is the horn I'd choose for all occasions. But I'm not in that situation, and even if I were, I think the compensating EEb would be my primary horn.

If you will be part of a section where you will normally have even just one (capable) BBb or CC sitting beside you, then DEFINITELY go with the EEb (or maybe a large bore older Eb horn that plays in tune). And I would advise that even if you end up as the only tuba in the band (either on occasion or for lengthier periods of time), then go with EEb. I think it has several advantages I won't go into now. But the main thing is that if you find it more fun to play, then use that horn. And remember, when you push that fourth valve, it IS a BBb tuba. It's not a huge BBb tuba, and it doesn't have a huge bore, but it can play the entire range you need, and with good tone and sound quality.

We have had ONE piece recently where, when no other tubas showed up, I said to myself "Um, the BBb would definitely be better for this passage." But even in those cases it's a matter of relative performance and quality IN A COMMUNITY BAND. My son has observed "Don't try to play like the pro tennis players do. They play a totally different game. You can't do it and you don't need to." Similarly, if you're not a professional tuba player and aren't called on regularly to play certain pieces, then don't feel compelled by considerations that a professional has. It's always good advice to listen to, but your own situation is almost certainly quite different.

[UDELBR]

Here's a similar thread from not all that long ago: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=47199

[hbcrandy]

I played Eb tuba instead of a F tuba. To me, the Eb tuba had a more tuba-like sound than the F tuba which reminded me more of a euphonium. I have a customized, 5 valved York Monster Eb tuba with front action valves. It has a big sound. But, I only used it for certain things in the orchestra such as Berlioz, Rite of Spring and Franck, Symphony in D minor. I also used the Eb tuba for solo recitals. My main tuba is the CC contrabass tuba. It has more weight to the sound and can put a good bottom on a 100 piece orchestra better than even the largest Eb tuba.

For what you are doing, it sounds as if the Eb tuba will be okay. Like the other advice that you have had on the forum, get one with at LEAST 4 valves.

[adsteve]

I say play whatever you can play best. I play in a big ten wind symphony that does put out quite a bit of sound. Currently, I at on a Miraphone 1291 CC and a Yamaha Custom 822. Depending on the piece, I switch back and forth between horns and personally have no trouble being heard on either horn.

If you are more comfortable with an E-flat, try to get a larger one and go with it. You're going to be heard no matter what you play.

[Wyvern]

Listen to some recordings of British wind/military bands and judge for yourself. Most UK wind/military bands have a tuba section completely, or mostly made up of compensated Eb tubas.

I play CC a lot myself, but I am unusual in the UK - 95% of tuba players will principally, or entirely play on Eb tuba.

[Donn]

but there are different applications that (maybe don't "demand" different types of tone color but) "call for" different types of tone color.

That would be the perspective from which I'd look at this question. I haven't played the latest and greatest bass tubas, so I don't know the answer, but the question is not `can I be heard on those notes', but `how do I want to sound?' There's a certain potential for a glorious fullness of sound in the contrabass range, and you have to decide for yourself how important that is and how effective your choice of tuba is really going to be at it.

[bill]

Own and use a Willson 3200s Eb tuba. I am an older person, looking to lighten the load when I have to carry a tuba so this is not a tuba I use for everything but, when I need volume and presence, I use it without a second thought. If any one would volunteer to carry it for me, I would use it all the time. I had a Hirsbruner HB19 for years and years and found it was a wonderful tuba for most things but too damned heavy so I bought the Willson. Drats! The Willson is only a half kilo lighter. Now, I do most of my playing on a M-W 182 and find it does everything quite well but, if I want more presence, I drag out the Willson. btw, the Willson is configured with 5 valves and the fifth valve is is 2 whole steps. It is about an .830 bore, through the fifth valve. The M-W 182 is also 2 whole steps. Very few conductors ever notice that I am playing and Eb; most who have asked assumed it was a CC and were surprised to find out it was an Eb. The only question I have is what will I do in a few years when I am in my 80's? It is a possibility since today would have been my mother's 100th birthday, if she had not died 5 years ago. Use an Eb, if you feel like it. I played Eb, to start, for 3 years, BBb for 47 years and Eb and F since (18 years) with an occasional BBb or CC when I wanted a special effect.

[Tubaru]

I recently purchased a Meinl Weston 2141L as an all around tuba and I love it. It is small enough to use with a brass quintet yet big enough for a symphony orchestra. I paired it up with a Gidding and Webster Diablo. Having 5 valves makes the low register easy. Every conductor has enjoyed the sound and they love the way it blends with the ensemble.

[Pat S]

Thanks to all for the stunningly useful replies. I'm most grateful!

[cambrook]

As UncleBeer said there's a lot of info in the earlier thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=47199

I like to have different "tools" for different jobs, but it's my job so I can afford to do so.
If I had to choose one tuba as an all-rounder a good EEb is a serious candidate.

For me, a good EEb is like an adjustable wrench - very useful if you want to take only one tool to the job, but not as satisfying to use as a set of the correct size tools.