Eb tubas with the BEST intonation?

[jeopardymaster]

Jonathan, I just re-read your note on the 64 Eb and finally picked up on it. So the 2 versions will be one front action (4+1) instrument and one top action (3+1) instrument? Same bugle, just flipping it around? Or are you looking at a 3+1 front action horn?

[Alex C]

I played a Boosey & Hawkes Eb for about 10 years,the 981 model. I have always felt that it was the instrument with the least number of playing imperfections that I have ever played. The one thing I never adjusted to was the sound difference between low E and pedal Eb. It never seemed to affect John Fletcher.

The 984 (front action) was just about as good but the valve block is set oddly for me, I could never get any finger technique with that configuration.

[Wyvern]

Jonathan, I just re-read your note on the 64 Eb and finally picked up on it. So the 2 versions will be one front action (4+1) instrument and one top action (3+1) instrument? Same bugle, just flipping it around? Or are you looking at a 3+1 front action horn?

You understanding is correct;

1) 4-front piston with 5th rotor
2) 3-top piston and one side piston compensated

Same bell and bugle on both.

[marccromme]

MW 2141 Eb is the most point-and-shoot with very just intonation all over the range I ever have tried. Definitely prefer it over any 19'' 4+1 comp Eb I had the chance to play. Don't know anything about Wilson 3400 and Norwegian Star.

Yamaha 321 4-valve non-compensated is also very fine. But you'l miss the 5th valve (or compensation) for the low register.

[Wyvern]

MW 2141 Eb is the most point-and-shoot with very just intonation all over the range I ever have tried.

Marc, How do you find the E above the staff? I previously had a 2141 and although overall it was a good tuba, the two things that I really did not like were; 1) Slotting of that E was difficult to say the least. I would prefer to play a solo with high E on my CC tuba than risk it on the 2141. 2) I found the valve block uncomfortably high and the tuba difficult to hold - in fact I had to always use a playing stand, as once it slipped while playing (no thumb ring) and hit me over the head with its bell to the amusement of everyone around

[Teditiks]

Jonathan, I just re-read your note on the 64 Eb and finally picked up on it. So the 2 versions will be one front action (4+1) instrument and one top action (3+1) instrument? Same bugle, just flipping it around? Or are you looking at a 3+1 front action horn?

You understanding is correct;

1) 4-front piston with 5th rotor
2) 3-top piston and one side piston compensated

Same bell and bugle on both.

Just out of curiosity Jonathan, how come you don't consider the new 6/4 Eb equipped with z-valves? A big rotary Eb would be nice I think. Even maybe a serious alternative to the N Star perhaps....

/T

[Wyvern]

Just out of curiosity Jonathan, how come you don't consider the new 6/4 Eb equipped with z-valves? A big rotary Eb would be nice I think. Even maybe a serious alternative to the N Star perhaps....

/T

That is considered, but the trouble is the usual position of rotary valves mean if fitted to a piston tuba body will result in the tuba playing very flat - so it is not a simple switch of valve system. I think if we did do, the valve set up would have to be more like an Alexander 173 where the valves are on the bell side. Something Chuck Nickles and I will consider once the piston valve versions are out and we have a spare body to experiment.