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Hi I was wondering could anyone tell me the rang on a 3v Eb tuba non compensating? I can't afford a standard bass tuba so I was think of picking up a cheaper 3v Eb and using it to play some of the bass tuba orchestra excerpts for college auditions. Thank you for your help.

The normal range is A below the staff to an Eb above the staff. I can get a couple of more notes below the staff but they are "false" tones. How good you do depends on the horn. You have to be a little careful. Older horns tend to have mechanical problems such as warn valves and dents that can affect tone. Buy from a reputable vendor such as on the sponsors list on this net.

opus37 wrote:The normal range is A below the staff to an Eb above the staff. I can get a couple of more notes below the staff but they are "false" tones. How good you do depends on the horn. You have to be a little careful. Older horns tend to have mechanical problems such as warn valves and dents that can affect tone. Buy from a reputable vendor such as on the sponsors list on this net.

Thank you for your help. Do you think I would be better off with a new 4 valved F tuba or an old 3valved Eb tuba?

I like the Eb but that's all I play. It would likely be less expensive than the F. With that said, it depends on what you are playing, who you are playing with and what your future plans are. Most pro or semi pro players now have a CC or a BBb and and F. The Eb is a bit old fashioned. But if you can afford one horn, the Eb may be the thing.

Tubas don't have a range; players do. Of course, a small Eb/F tuba will be easier to play high, and a big BBb/CC tuba will be easier to play low.

I have a small 3-valve Eb (among others). Down low, the tone is rather thin, but it sings nicely in the mid to high range. Using so-called "false tones" it plays down to low Eb five ledger lines below the staff, but I don't think it's very musical. For high range, it resonates well to F above the staff; above that, the tuba doesn't help you much.

The big problem (besides the poor resonance below the staff) is pitch. Three valves aren't enough. I suppose I could get to play it in tune with a lot of work, but the same amount of practice work on a good tuba is much more rewarding.

I still like having this inexpensive tuba around. It is especially useful when a child is visiting and wants to try a tuba! Also, if you don't want to schlep the heavy horn to TubaChristmas, etc.

Cheers,
Allen

Anywhere between low A and pedal G-ish.

If you consider that the average American tuba teacher probably wouldn't let you ever play any bass tuba more than rarely , then a 3 valve Eb tuba with good partials will do just fine as a 2nd tuba. The small Conns seem to have the best intonation. My little King has a great low Bb and A, ok false tones (I've played better), but has some kinda weird intonation. The big thing to look for is spread octaves- flat low Eb-D and sharp Eb-D in the staff. If those are good you probably got something there. My King is flat on the low D and sharp on Eb and D in the staff. Open G is close, F needs 13, and the 6th is a bit flat. I really don't do much more than honk on it every now and then; I've vowed that if I'm going to play it for real again I'll have a main slide rod put on. I had a 1916 4 front valve Conn Giant Eb that had a very nice sound and played so effortlessly. However I also had to play that Eb and D in the staff 23 and 13/4 (above F had to be 13) and low D pretty much needed to be played 234. Bleh.

The best way to get a good one is to ask around. Tuba stores don't usually carry nice 3 valve Eb tubas.

Bob Kolada wrote:Anywhere between low A and pedal G-ish.

If you consider that the average American tuba teacher probably wouldn't let you ever play any bass tuba more than rarely , then a 3 valve Eb tuba with good partials will do just fine as a 2nd tuba. The small Conns seem to have the best intonation. My little King has a great low Bb and A, ok false tones (I've played better), but has some kinda weird intonation. The big thing to look for is spread octaves- flat low Eb-D and sharp Eb-D in the staff. If those are good you probably got something there. My King is flat on the low D and sharp on Eb and D in the staff. Open G is close, F needs 13, and the 6th is a bit flat. I really don't do much more than honk on it every now and then; I've vowed that if I'm going to play it for real again I'll have a main slide rod put on. I had a 1916 4 front valve Conn Giant Eb that had a very nice sound and played so effortlessly. However I also had to play that Eb and D in the staff 23 and 13/4 (above F had to be 13) and low D pretty much needed to be played 234. Bleh.

The best way to get a good one is to ask around. Tuba stores don't usually carry nice 3 valve Eb tubas.

What would you think about these two little Eb conns

http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... 99596.aspx" target="_blank

http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... 07581.aspx" target="_blank

I asked about the front action one- it has the wide octave. I really wouldn't call either of those small.

The wide (or spread) octaves would ruin any serious usage like an audition.

I kind of refuse believing that the wide octaves were considered acceptable, when these old instruments were made. I tend to believe the problems are coming from a change in playing styles and especially from the tendency to use wider and deeper mouthpieces.

If the OP is planning on a future career as musician and/or teacher, I am not at all convinced that a 3 valve Eb tuba is the tool for speedy development. I have seen 4 valve F tubas used in a conservatory context, but that was 35 years ago.

If the tuba is not excessively large, I don’t think the pitches of F or Eb will come out with radically different results. One tuba model that might be relevant, and which has reasonable pitch and range might be the old Eb Imperial or New Standard 15" 3+1 compensators. Put a large receiver on it and don’t overblow it. And check that the valves are not too worn before buying it.

Klaus

opus37 wrote: The Eb is a bit old fashioned.

Look that horn....
I think is great....

http://www.baltimorebrass.net/pic.php?id=861" target="_blank

York is a good horn...