Time with an Eastman 562 b flat
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2022 10:24 pm
I work for a music store that is an Eastman dealer and am doing a little talk on Eastman and other tubas and euphoniums at our annual sales meeting. We had a demo model 562 in stock so I brought it home with me this weekend. I’ve been using the Eastman 836 as my big horn for several years now and enjoying it very much. I’ve had the itch recently to add a b flat for certain uses, so this work assignment killed two birds. I really enjoyed it and it immediately reminded me of the early,smaller bell Thor I used to own. That tall top bow, compact bell diameter, and great low register! Except this low register was even better. I’ll say it virtually solved my low register issues. I did some research and found the 562 is very similar, if not identical,to a gr51 b & s/ mw 605. You could also say a b flat tuono. I also learned all of these were inspired by a Bohland and Fuchs design from much earlier.I’ve not played any of those others.I also have seen Chris Olka’s video of the modified 562 and the just released 825v . The things I didn’t love about the 562 were pretty much like Mr Olka said. Slides awkward to reach, but the intonation good enough to maybe require less slide pulling with using 3 for most 1+2 combinations. And it could benefit from a 5th valve, which could potentially solve some more of the low register pitch issues and possibly result in less slides to pull. I had a thought that pitch was close enough and quite bendable, that I might be able to plant my left hand around the side bow and with a few alternate fingering, just play. The 562 was really fun. It was surprisingly great to have all the spit come out in one easy accessible spit valve. Oh the time,hassle, and clanking I’ve deals with emptying spit!It can be played very loud, like Thor. But some differences too like more warmth and bendability, maybe from the rotors? The 825v will add a larger bell, 5th valve,some rewrapped and more accessible tuning slides, gold brass, and hand made from sheet brass. I’m not sure if the sheet brass part made it into the final production model,and the 5th valve is an option. This would essentially be a b&s gr55 5v/2 ,the 2 meaning hand made from sheet brass. I would expect one of those to be in the 15-20000 range, and they probably would make you one with a big deposit. I’m hoping to get my hands on an 825v as soon as possible to check it out. A couple other thoughts,I know some folks liked the Thor less with the bigger bell version. I wonder if this could apply here too. Also, being hand made and presumed thinner gauge bell, wouldn’t this give more blend and less punch? Or just easier response? I guess you have to play for yourself to really know. I’m impressed with the Eastman products and happily play and sell them. I don’t represent or work for them. I sell many other brands as well,but more and more Eastman these days.Just my personal opinions.