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I'm in the market for a new EEb tuba. I live in Michigan and will be trying the Big Mouth Brass EEb next week, so I'll be able to form my own impression of that tuba. I used to play a Willson 3400, which I probably shouldn't have sold, given the current prices and what a great tuba it was. There are no close retailers of the Kanstul 66-S in SE Michigan, so I'm wondering if anyone can share their experiences with this horn, compared to other quality EEbs. Or does anyone in Michigan or Ohio have one I can try? I'm also considering the MW 2141/2040. I tend to prefer a darker sound and even though I'll use this as my "small" horn, I have good high chops and always seem to be swayed by a tuba that has a fuller lower register.
Thanks.

I don't have a 66S but I do have the 66T. I have found it to have an excellent sound. Very organ like. The range is very good with both low and high range clear and easy to produce. I encourage you to try one before you make your choice. I have found that mine likes a deeper bowl shaped cup. I play it with a Sellsmanberger Symphony mouthpiece.

pwhitaker posted a very extensive report on the 66S, here on TubeNet, not too long ago...

Thanks for the lead on the pwhitaker 66-S review. I didn't find that when I first used the search tool on the forum, but managed to find it using his moniker. I'm hoping I can find one to try, without having to drive a thousand miles.

williamp wrote:Thanks for the lead on the pwhitaker 66-S review. I didn't find that when I first used the search tool on the forum, but managed to find it using his moniker. I'm hoping I can find one to try, without having to drive a thousand miles.

You might want to check with Lee Stofer. He sells the Kanstul line and may know of someone in your area who has one.

Thanks. I got Lee's email from Kanstul -- they told me he'd be the closest with a horn to Michigan, which is still a bit too far for me to make any time soon. You're right, though. Maybe he'll know someone closer. I'll email him.

Why do you not contact Custom Music and see if they have any PT-22s available. This is the best EEb I have ever played - perfect sound (for me), excellent intonation, and very ergonomic.

Joel Bristor who is on here has a 66s for sale. He is located in Maine though.

Actually, the tuba I am offering for sale is a MW 2040/5 and I am located in Maryland. It's great that there are so many EEb options these days.

I tried one but ended up with a 1281 F as a one-horn bass tuba. The low range didn't match up (for me) to what I ended up with and it sounded a little foggy to me.

IOS wrote:Why do you not contact Custom Music and see if they have any PT-22s available. This is the best EEb I have ever played - perfect sound (for me), excellent intonation, and very ergonomic.

I have to admit I didn't know a PT-22 existed. I purchased my B&S GR-55 BBb from Custom about three years and have been in love with it from day one. I actually looked on their website and saw no EEbs listed, so I went to the B&S website, which only listed the 3181 and 291. On your advice, I called Neal today and he has several PT-22s in stock, so I'll check them out. I really appreciate the tip.

Although there are details to work out, it looks as if Kanstul and I will be working out a new dealership agreement, and I will continue to represent and sell Kanstul instruments.

The Kanstul 66-T is a 4-top-piston instrument, a true copy of a 1930's York monster Eb tuba, enhanced with hand-lapped monel pistons and silent nylon valve guides, an instrument with a truly exquisite sound and wonderful intonation.

The Kanstul 66-S is a modern adaptation of the York monster Eb, call it a factory custom. The 66-S has 4-front-pistons and a 5th rotor valve of the most modern design, including a graduated bore that makes this a really serious professional instrument capable of excelling in any musical situation. This is the Eb tuba that could make you consider selling your CC or BBb and just play Eb.

Like the original York it might have some limitations in terms of loudness with it's limited bore.

I play the 66s most of the time. Just finished Carmina and it worked well especially the"note". Al the e's in that piece worked well playing them on the Eb, I used 24 on all of them.
It losses its resonance going below 64 hz till the pedal making those notes more like a Bass Trombone. The Bb -A below the 64 hz are inefficient but, manageable. below the EEb pedal the notes come out well. I can only go to the Ab well.
I play it exclusively in quintet where it works well. I've added a tuning slide kicker to help with the intonation. The sound is a little light for contrabass work in the lower register. It was great in the American in Paris solo. The upper register is great having done Symphony Fantastic.
I'm playing the Curnow Fantasia a few times past and coming up and so far it's worked well. I use the Baer f and solo model with it.
Hugh