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SSCtubist wrote:At the moment, the tuba im looking at is the Norwegian Star, as I currently play Eb, and I'm looking for a good all-around horn (which I've heard is a role fullfilled by the NorStar).

I'd like to hear other people's views on this tuba, plus any other Eb tubas they may fit my needs (I play in Brass bands, Quintets, an orchestra, and occasionally some solo work)

any advice of help is greatly appreciated

The Norwegian Star certainly has a lot of support, especially since it's designed with the help of Oysten B. (I'm going to abbreviate his name so I don't butcher it too badly). If you like the non-comp rotary format, that seems like a really great horn.
OTOH, I don't know how you feel about the 3+1 compensating thing, but John Fletcher and numerous others have made good use out of the Besson Soverigns for all of the applications you mentioned. There are a lot of makers producing this format, too, like Miraphone, York, Yamaha, and Willson to name a few.

Do you prefer pistons or rotors? Comp or non-comp? Are you close enough to Dillons or WWBW to make a day or two trip to hunt for the right horn? That's probably the best way to go.

Besson did make a front valve version of the Eb comp for awhile, for Pat Sheridan, if you can find one. It does have the .689 bore and some say it can be stuffy, however.

If you need something quick, inexpensive, but with good intonation to get you going right now:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28068" target="_blank

Even if it only does have 4 valves, I'm sure the false pedals will take you down where you need to go. I considered it myself, but just couldn't justify it.

Lidl is also making a fine Eb now, although availability is a problem, and it is concededly a tad smaller all around than the horns you're considering.

Try to visit come shops like wwbw or baltimore brass and try out every horn you can, see what you like...

SSCtubist wrote:thanks for all the advice

I forgot to mention in my post that I live in Australia - and the range of instruments we have here is a tad small (with the only music store near me only stocking Yamaha's), I've managed to play test a range of instruments from friends who have imported from the US and whenever we have a big brass show down here.

Ah, I see.... Sometimes we forget that there is more to the world than the USA.

I went to the Miraphone website and found the name and address of the Australian distributor for Miraphone. Oz is a darn big place but maybe they know of a NorStar you can try close to your home.

Brass Music Specialists
Mr. Greg Aitken
90 Appel Street
AUS-4075 Graceville Q
Phone: 0061 7 3278-1311
Fax: 0061 7 3379-5146
Email: brass@brassmusic.com.au" target="_blank" target="_blank

It's worth an e-mail or a call.

Hope this helps.

Jeff "Thinks a NorStar is a neat horn, too" Benedict