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You don't want the small bell unless you want to sound like a modern euphonium.

Locate a Yamaha 631 compensated EEb. It has about a 17 inch bell. I have one. It is EVERYTHING which all these big F tubas wish they were. No, I don't want to sell it.

There is also a 17 inch belled 3+1 Besson. The model number is 980. I've never played the smaller belled one, but they are probably great.

58mark wrote:
So what I'm hoping for is to find an Eb tuba with the smaller Bell, but it has to be a model with good intonation AND the taller leadpipe

The Besson 980 has teh 17" bell, but not the large leadpipe of the Besson 981:

http://www.besson.com/en/instruments/so ... n-eb-tuba/

Klaus

Are you sure that applies here?

http://www.besson.com/en/instruments/so ... n-eb-tuba/

The Besson 983s seem too come up for sale used somewhat frequently.

I think the Fletcher leadpipe was offered only on the 981. Wessex used to offer it as an option, but I don't know if they still do.

GC wrote:I think the Fletcher leadpipe was offered only on the 981. Wessex used to offer it as an option, but I don't know if they still do.

We no longer stock an Eb tuba with Fletcher pipe. I can get them to special order, but would not recommend. The low mouthpiece position causes bad posture while playing - and I myself suffered trapped nerve in the neck, I am sure from years of bad posture playing a Besson 981.

I think the Wessex Solo with 16 ¾" bell would be ideal for the OP and what he is looking. It has the higher leadpipe. I play the Solo myself as my usual bass tuba, and personally prefer to the 19" bell Eb.

I've owned way too many E-flats over the years. But the best one was a 983 out of the first batch in 98... I think you would love the 983!!! If you really want the 3+1, the Yamaha with the 17 bell is a winner.

Hi Mark- I have a Wessex solo and am in the Houston area. I do have it listed for sale but you are welcome to try it any time if you are in the area. I had tried the larger bell versions and prefer the smaller bell.

Doesn't the 984 have a 15 bell??? I hear they are incredible.

bigboymusic wrote:Doesn't the 984 have a 15 bell??? I hear they are incredible.

Besson 984
Cracking instrument

http://www.besson.com/en/instruments/so ... reign-984/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Does Besson use the same mandrel for the 15", 17", and 19" bells?

Klaus

imperialbari wrote:Does Besson use the same mandrel for the 15", 17", and 19" bells?

Klaus

I believe they do.

Then the 984 must have a longer tuning slide than the 983.

&

Then the 980 must have a longer tuning slide than the 981.

Klaus

The Wessex Solo with 16 3/4" bell has longer main tuning slide than our Champion with 19" bell - so I suspect Besson has done the same, although the different leadpipe on 984 may have changed pitch slightly