I am considering getting a new or near new Eb for use in concert band and British brass band. I've narrowed down my choices to the MW2141 and Besson BE-982 or 983. I'm looking for current opinions from this esteemed group of tubists What are the pros and cons of each? How about a 4 valve compensator (automatic transmission) versus a 5 valve (stick shift)? Obviously a Besson would "fit" in a brass band but would the MW2141? I'm looking for any opinions/experiences you've had with these horns.
Teub "who is NOT looking for answers like 'check the archives' or 'go try them out'" onium
I used to own the 983. Nice horn in general, but the low register of the compensating Eb tubas (ALL of them) will have a response that is different from the non-compensating horns you may have played before. I did NOT like the additional back pressure present when playing below BBb (4th valve combination notes). Others seem to have no problems with this "feature". (I did find that a PT-72 mpc helped improve the low register responsiveness, FYI.)
For me, I will only consider a non-compensating Eb tuba, which means either the expensive Willson or the MW2141 5V version, or the Yamaha YEB-321/381 (my present Eb is the 381 5V).
So:
Do you want top-action or front-action valves?
Do you want non-compensating or compensating?
Do you want a broader sound or more focused sound?
The 981 is often touted as the better choice than the 982 for top-action / compensating / broader sound (19" bell). IF this is acceptable for you, then it would give you a little fuller sound for concert band settings. If you want more focus and a compensating horn, go for the 983. If you want more focus and non-compensating, go with the 2141. BE SURE to buy one of the new ones. In the "early years", this model was known for significant intonation problems. If you want a broad sound and non-compensating, unfortunately your only choice is the pricey Willson, which you did not list in your final group.
Good luck,
Steve Inman
Yamaha YEB-381 Eb
Conn 56J CC
Willson-Marzan CC Solo Model
Kokomo Chamber Brass
barry guerrero wrote:Picking up where Bruce Hamilton left off, one of the things I like about the 983 is that when you do have fast passages in the low register to play, you can work your left hand through the body of the horn and play it like a 3 + 1 tuba. Works for me anyway. As Bruce also indicated, I'm amazed how fat the low F is on my 983. Even the low E natural is OK - not great, but OK. I think I just got lucky and own a good one.
Barry Guerrero
I have the same experience with my 983. In fact, the notes below low F work better on the 983 than on my King BBb tubas. I use the left hand for the 4th valve sometimes, but do so by reaching all the way around from the left. It's not a stretch for me, but I have a 37" sleeve.
They have 2 compensating Eb's currently listed on their website, one traditional 3+1 setup and one with side action like a Besson 983. Just wondering how they compare with the similar Bessons.
What are the pros and cons of each? How about a 4 valve compensator (automatic transmission) versus a 5 valve (stick shift)? Obviously a Besson would "fit" in a brass band but would the MW2141? I'm looking for any opinions/experiences you've had with these horns.
