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Well, the thread I posted yesterday on this topic disappeared due to the recent hubbub, so I might as well repost it...

--How do you think the current production of modern King 2341 tubas compared with earlier (still modern) ones?

--And how do the modern 2341's compare with old-style 2341 tubas?

--And how do modern 2341's compare with Eastman 534 tubas?

I know.. that is a lot of questions...

I can sum that up pretty easily and backwards to your questions. 1241's were great but, and starting in June of 1980 those 2341's up until the late 90's when they went away were the best of the best. Build quality on the "new" shorter 2341's from 2000+ is decent/fair and still play "ok" but horrible ergonomically. The newest production of the "new" short 2341's after the Conn-Selmer era are also "ok" maybe a little better than the first run back in early 2000's. I've played both Eastman 534 and the "New" style King 2341 and still think the resonance and build quality of the King was better, not by much in build quality but way better in sound and resonance.

Sorry your post was deleted. Been a hectic week for tubenet.

I like the King 2341's of any generation.

I also like the Eastmans. My students have purchased all the horns you have mentioned. The older king 2341's often come at a very nice price point. If I were to own only one, I'd probably choose the Eastman. I like the intonation best on that horn.

I can vouch for Eastman. I have a EBB623, And I think it out performs the tubas it resembles. I've played a lot of Bb Tubas, and I think it's honestly the best I've tried. It's a little unagile but that's to be expected with a . 85 bore. going Eastman was a great decision.

TheodoreSmith wrote:I can vouch for Eastman. I have a EBB623, And I think it out performs the tubas it resembles. I've played a lot of Bb Tubas, and I think it's honestly the best I've tried. It's a little unagile but that's to be expected with a . 85 bore. going Eastman was a great decision.

Yes. My disappeared comment was similar. I felt the Eastman was slightly lighter and more resonant, but in no way felt cheap or that shortcuts had been taken.

If I were buying a new one?? Eastman.

Thanks to you all! This is helpful. I am helping an acquaintance find either a modern 2341 or the Eastman. He plays an old-style 2341 and has decided that he needs a lighter horn. He is in his 70s.

I also recently picked up an early 80s 2341 and it is a terrific horn. I see his point about the weight. Mine is 25 lb 4 oz with mouthpiece.

As your friend is in his 70’s, he / you might consider something a little smaller. There is a used Eastman 3/4 BBb at Baltimore Brass that is a great tuba. I was able to spend a few days with this horn before it was sent off to BB and it has a great range, blows real easy, super low register and is light. The valves are great as well. I know as one in my 60’s, my lung power has diminished a bit from 10 - 20 years ago. I imagine when I am in my 70’s, it will diminish quite a bit more. Physically, the tuba will be more difficult in all aspects when I hit my 70’s. A horn like this would be what I would be looking for at that time. Food for thought. Best of luck in your search.

Not sure if the price is what you're looking for, but the Yamaha 621 BBb is incredibly agile and powerful for a 3/4 horn. Got me through high school and I almost regret not buying one for myself instead of my current Miraphone

I'm a BIG fan of the older 1240/41 and 2340/41 tubas and continue to be pleasantly surprised by how much sound a horn with a bore of .688" can deliver. I understand why manufacturers make running changes in their products (mainly to reduce material costs or parts count) but I think going to the shorter, fixed bell was a move in the wrong direction. I continue to buy and refurbish the older Kings and will always keep one around for my personal use.

It's too bad that King 2341 with the Carbon Fiber Upright Bell that Lee Stofer had already sold. Anyone know who made the bell? That would certainly knock off a few lbs, especially if the 70 year old person has a removable bell.

George McCracken, I believe.

I think he is retired.

Unfortunately I hate to use this phrase but they’re great horns if you find a good one and that doesn’t mean they’re all bad but some have their quirks I highly suggest playing them before buying and also you can always have somebody vent the valves or do the MAW valves and it will transform the horn into a wonderful horn.

I've owned 4 1241's... still have the last one, a 1959 silver horn with the 22'and 19' raincatchers and the bell front and I currently have a silver 2341 that Matt @ Dillon's picked out for me in 2001. I think the construction of the 1241's is more solid and they could be a little thicker metal wise. They project better for me. Think trumpet versus cornet but I find the 2341 Much easier to sit and play and, having a long torso, I've had the leadpipe raised but no problem with being too close to the bell. The sound is more present around me, on stage, and the bell being shorter is definitely part of that. I have found 1241's to be very consistant wheras the 2341's, not so much. Mine is a real winner though and I always seem to get feedback about the sound. People often ask if it's a York. But to summarize, they are both great American sounding horns and I consider myself lucky to have two such fine examples.For whatever it's worth. Ed