EEb as do-it-all horn?

[TheHatTuba]

Doc, you mentioned a small BBb as a possible all around horn. Any suggestions on models?

Only one that comes to mind is a Cerveny piggy.

Mirafone 184/185
YBB-621
Meinl Weston Hojo
Others

[TheHatTuba]

For specific Eb's I vote the Norwegian Star. The Besson's don't play the way I prefer, but some people really like and do great with them.

[GC]

@bloke: the y'all tube video doesn't have the best of sound, but the original soundtrack recording is pretty clear there. I really don't think he used a bass tuba for the Jawas solo; the sound's just too dark and thick.

[EdFirth]

Harvey Phillips did everything on a smaller Conn C which is very like the Conn 3J. The Bb is a 5J and is still in production. Ed

[bort]

Doc, you mentioned a small BBb as a possible all around horn. Any suggestions on models?

Only one that comes to mind is a Cerveny piggy.

Mirafone 184/185
YBB-621
Meinl Weston Hojo
Others

I think "others" is exceptionally helpful.

[Michael Grant]

Like many have said before me on this post, the EEb works fine as an only horn. I agree that for the big stuff (large orchestra and large orchestral works, etc.) a contra-bass is needed (CC or BBb) but I don't play in anything that would require something that large. I use the Willson 3400 EEb. It works well for everything I play in or would ever play. I don't agree with an earlier post that the Norwegian Star would work as the only EEb horn. I spent a couple of hours with one really putting it through the paces and in my opinion, it does not have the balz that the Willson has. When I really wanted to let loose, it couldn't handle it. I've heard and read that the MW 2141 is a good option as well as the Perrantucci EEb. I have not played any of those.

Now, with all that said, I also think the same thing could be accomplished with the Rudy Meinl 3/4 CC. Before all the EEb development, that was "the" all around tuba. So much so that I have considered on many occasions trading my Willson for a 3/4 Rudy (I prefer rotary valves - especially the older I get and the less I play). The one thing that has stopped me from taking the plunge is the sound and response on my Willson. It just sounds great! I'm sure age will finally make that decision for me.

Anyhow, my 2 cents.

[PhilGreen]

I had a 2 month trial with both the Starlight and Norwegian Star and agree with Michael that I didn't think that either had the low down power that I needed/wanted/was used to. The 2040/5 that eventually chose did have this in spades, although I now understand through this forum that it's not a very popular choice.

[Rommel72]

For Many years I had the CC-F tuba combo. Several years ago I cut back to just a CC tuba. Then about a year ago, I decided I wanted something a little more versitile. I was lucky enough to find a used Willson 3400 for a good price. I sold my CC and now play the Willson exclusively. I have played it in various settings (orchestra, ensemble, and solo). I have found that it holds its own very well and am very pleased with the decision I made to switch to EEb as my only horn.

[TheHatTuba]

@bloke: the y'all tube video doesn't have the best of sound, but the original soundtrack recording is pretty clear there. I really don't think he used a bass tuba for the Jawas solo; the sound's just too dark and thick.

.

[bort]

FWIW, I also think the Willson F tuba is a really versatile instrument. I've only spent a small amount of time with one at Dillon's, but it reminded me of a Yamaha 822F, but that it sounded more like an F tuba than a small CC tuba. Low register was awesome and the thing was a ton of fun to play.

[toobagrowl]

@tooba: some posts a few years back said that Fletch used a CC Holton for a good bit of the Star Wars sound track, particularly evident in the Jawas sandcrawler solo.

Possibly. But here is actual footage of the Star Wars scoring session with Williams.
Look at @ 3:47. Fletch and some other tuba player - both on Besson/B&H Eb tubas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBGqxHVH ... re=related

[Amilcare]

I have the BEAST of British-style EEb from Willson. It has very thick metal and weighs a ton.

It is capable of a great deal of sound in all registers. The only problem I had was naysayers liked to put me down by saying it sounded too much like a euph in the upper register.

[Wyvern]

I had a 2 month trial with both the Starlight and Norwegian Star and agree with Michael that I didn't think that either had the low down power that I needed/wanted/was used to. The 2040/5 that eventually chose did have this in spades, although I now understand through this forum that it's not a very popular choice.

I have not tried Noregian Star with ensemble, but am most impressed with the low register on a friend's gold brass example and that is as previous owner of 2040/5. I think the later plays great (except i always found the E above stave very difficult) but the big problem for me was the ergonomics - it felt too top heavy.

[GC]

@tooba: different movie. Plus people change horns within sessions. Fletcher was known to change as the occasion called for. He used a Holton CC on a number of occasions with other groups.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I find that, although the Willson 3400 Eb is a versatile horn, as the sole tuba in a concert band, I find it lacking.

[Lectron]

York Preference Eb Tuba was a very nice acquaintance...

Besson (already then owned by courtois) bought them just to put'em out of business

Better than 981 in every aspect....IMHO

[Michael Grant]

[quote="Michael Grant"]Like many have said before me on this post, the EEb works fine as an only horn. I agree that for the big stuff (large orchestra and large orchestral works, etc.) a contra-bass is needed (CC or BBb) but I don't play in anything that would require something that large. I use the Willson 3400 EEb. It works well for everything I play in or would ever play.

After thinking this over and reading some of the other posts, I would like to further elaborate. I answered Mojo's question based on my own experience and needs. When I have played in concert bands, brass bands, etc., there was always the larger contrabass-tuba beside me. If I were playing by myself, my EEb probably would not cut it. It does not have the breadth and fullness in the low register needed to support a "large" ensemble. When playing in the Michigan Chamber Brass, I used the EEb. But when we played pieces that required two tubas, the guy on my right was always playing a contrabass horn. Even on Liturgical Fanfares (which calls for one tuba), when the brass really let loose at the end, the Willson was not enough. We used two horns. So, to "re-answer" the question:

A EEb works for me as my only tuba. But, if I played in an orchestra (any orchestra. Really, even a small one. Any orchestra. Seriously, any orchestra would be fine. Just call, I'll answer.) or a concert group where I was the only tubist, I feel a 4/4 CC or BBb would be a necessity. IMO, if you are a professional tubist, then you will need more than one horn. Owning only one (especially an EEb or F or small CC/BBb) is a handicap. So, if I were a pro I would have a 4/4 horn in addition to my EEb at the very least. Actually, since my EEb is large, I would go for a 5/4.

Anyway, as an only tuba? I recant my earlier statement and now say a 4/4 CC or BBb.

[J.c. Sherman]

I agree Michael.

In a Band setting, where you're in the dual role of Tuba and Bass section, an Eb - by itself - is not quite enough for my tastes for anything but the smallest bands. However, the bands I play with in Cleveland all assume I'm comin' with the Eb, and everyone brings howitzers. It's a great balance - 1 tuba on top divisi (me), Bazookas on the bottom. Solos are whichever is appropriate for the lick.

A divisi Eb/BAT section can be very, very satisfying... and I keep being hired, so I guess it works for the conductors too

J.c.S.

[opus37]

I agree with the last two posts. An EEb by itself in a large band or orchestra is a bit weak. For quintet, solo, small groups or as part of a tuba section, it is a do it all/very welcome horn. It all comes down to your playing situation. A pro is very likely to get into the situations on having to lead or be the only horn. Thus a stable of horns is more commonly needed. Us hobbyists tend to be in situations where a EEb can handle our needs satisfactorily.

[Wyvern]

In the UK it is quite common for concert and military bands to just have pair of EEb 19 inch compensated tubas. I have just played gig today with two of us on EEb for band of 28 and it worked fine, although I do like the breath a CC/BBb adds