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I am looking for an e flat tuba to double on (I am a tenor trombonist).
Any suggestions or thoughts on models? I am open to all e flats...(My main reason for an e flat tuba is that it would be smaller and easier to double on. Also, the valve combinations would correlate to an alto trombone. Also, the tuba needs a good low B, which rules out B flat tubas (I know some can play it- conductors choice).
Besson 983, Mirafone Starlight or Norwegian Star, St. Petersburg...


Also, If anyone is selling one let me know, thank you!

3 of your suggestions would work for professional plying, one would hardly.

If the in tune low B natural is a priority, you might want an older Besson New Standard or Boosey & Hawkes Imperial 3 piston BBb compensator. You might come out cheaper that way.

Klaus

I'm not sure how much you want to spend and if you want a front or top action but have a look at the Yamaha 632. From all the reports that I have heard they are a fantastic Eb. Also the Besson 981 is a very good model. I think that Baltimore Brass may have one for sale around $6500

Cheers
Bjorn

Theres a St Pete in ebay right now on the cheap...$400 ???? how wrong can you go ?

My MW 2141 has an absolutely solid low B. Some players (with short stature) have suggested that it may be a little awkward to hold.

That's a pretty open ended question, as the variety of Ebs just about rivals that of Tuba's in more traditional keys these days. All the brand name manufacturers make very good, quality Ebs tubas. The environment you will be playing may help narrow your model search to specific models. Then I'd hit the road and play every single one you can. You have to live with your choice and financial investment so take the time to pick the Eb that works for you.

In the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France the Eb tuba IS the traditional tuba key thanks to Adolphe Sax. For decades before 1900 it even was the lowest tuba key in these areas. If you look at bass tubas made in the US, Eb also appears to be a very traditional tuba key in that country.

Klaus

bloke wrote:Just bide your time and find a good/playable/scratchy/affordable old 1970's/1980's YEB-321 (as long as you are willing to schmooze around on low Ab, Gb, F, and E).

A friend who is an excellent player had one of these right after they came out and told me that 124 Ab works without any slide finagling. One could rotate the 2nd valve ring, use your left thumb on it for E and A, and then be set down to G.

Thank you for the responses. This tuba will be used as a doubling instrument professionally, so it must be easy to play in tune. I don't mind moving a first valve slide for the occasional note, but it must be easy to play. It will be used for musicals, and occasionally brass quintet or brass band.
I have considered a CC tuba, but the prerequisite is that it be easy to play, since once again it will be an instrument to double on, not my main axe.
Has anyone had any experience with the JZ 5 valve CC tubas at Baltimore Brass, or the TE-401 tubas at Tuba Exchange? How is the sound and pitch? Perhaps I should start another thread with that question... Thank you for the input from everyone!