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What tubas are euphonium players favoring as secondary instruments for quintet, etc.?

Look on Werden's site. It seems that a lot of them prefer compensating EEb horns. But it varies (often in terms of what you happen to have ).

Bass Euphonium in EE♭.

i assume that means a British style 3+1 compensator.

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Besson 983 is a great choice.

eupho wrote:i assume that means a British style 3+1 compensator.

You know what they say about assuming....

I was tipping my hat to this article:

http://www.rogerbobo.com/musical_articl ... ions.shtml" target="_blank

I started out on a front-valve "baritone," and I've never entirely gotten over having to switch to 3+1. With tubas, I definitely favor the standard front-valve configuration even more so. The first tuba I played on a regular basis was a beat up Holton 345 in high school (which I enjoyed quite a lot), and I've had a lot of success with my B&S "Sonora" stencil. If you have the money for a nice horn, find what works for you. I could see a big Eb making a lot of sense if you wanted a do-it-all horn (PT-22P, 983, Kanstul, etc.). Since most of my tuba playing is in large bands, I prefer a large BBb. My Sonora is great for what I paid, and I could really only see upgrading if I were going to get something bigger.

Being a euphonium player 80% of the time, when I do get/have to play tuba, I use a Besson 983. Here's why I like the Eb as a good choice for euphonium players:

1.) It's compensating (most) and will feel pretty natural for euphonium players.

2.) If you're not going to sit in the back of an orchestra (which, let's be honest -- you're probably not going to), it is a good 'all-around' instrument. I can play it in lessons with students, perform solo repertoire, teach most of the major excerpts, play in a wind band, and sit in a brass quintet -- all pretty easily with that instrument.

Personally, I started out on F-tuba when I began my doubling journey -- it simply didn't take for me. The fingerings didn't make sense when you live in the 'compensating world' all the time, and I knew that I didn't want (or need) to play both a little tuba and a big tuba.

Hope this helps,

Pat Stuckemeyer

Well put!