EEb tubas

[eupho]

Are there any EEb players who use a 3 valve EEb as their Bass Tuba?

[Donn]

1. Yes, because
   1. there are enough 3 valve Eb tubas that someone must play one, and
   2. an Eb tuba is by definition a bass tuba
2. No, because an EEb tuba, a 5th below BBb, would make a terrible bass tuba

Of course this is sort of nit-picky, but your question has meaning to you that it may not exactly have to everyone. If you have a real object in asking, might help to zero in on it a little.

[tylerferris1213]

While I don't personally play one, I know of plenty of good 3 valve Eb tubas that have great false tones. If you get good at those, 3 valves is plenty enough to play chromatically down to the pedal range.

[WC8KCY]

Both my bass tuba and sousaphone are E-flat instruments with 3 valves and exceptional privileged tones.

For several years, my 3-valve Holton Monster E-flat was my only tuba, and for a few years I was the only tuba in a 60-piece collegiate wind symphony. The Holton provided more than enough oomph--even using privileged tones--to support such a large ensemble.

Some literature at the Grade IV-V level is not at all fun to play on a 3-valve E-flat, but it can be done. I had access to the college's YBB-641 contras, but the conductor and other principal musicians in the ensemble preferred what the Holton brought to the table.

[grayax]

I do. I have a 1936 Pan-American. Other than a new leadpipe that is just long enough to make it flat, it still sounds and plays great. I much prefer my 1241 BBb for almost everything, but it is fun to bring it out for a march now and then.