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I’m going to take a trip to Baltimore Brass very soon where I will be trying out the following bass tubas:

Miraphone Norwegian Star Eb (used)
Gronitz 5V Eb (used)
Besson 983-2 Eb
John Packer JP377S Eb (used)
John Packer JP379F Piston F

To anyone who has played any of these horns, what are your experiences with them? Do you prefer one over the other? I am leaning towards getting an Eb tuba so I can rely on the all-around range for nearly any situation, but I’m still open to trying out F tubas. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

First Choice - Gronitz. Second - Mirafone. Third - Besson. DO NOT overlook the Wessex'. They are making great horns at an affordable price.

Don't discount the Packer JP377. It's an excellent instrument. Amazing pedal register.

I've recently moved to a 90's built Besson 982 and It's a lovely instrument, though it depends entirely on what you want to do with it.

The 982 and 983 are quite broad in sound, and are easy to make sound rather large. The compromise is with the 19" bell is that it is harder to make it speak in a solo capacity. There are other positives; they are point and shoot, have decent intonation (at least from my experience on multiple examples), and feel rewarding when you play it well. If you are thinking about one, make sure the 4th valve/compensating tubing isn't too stuffy and speaks well. Some are better than others.

I hear the Gronitz Eb is outstanding. Willson also makes some great bass tubas as well. The small compact models are good as well. Eastman makes a great Eb that is light and a great player

My best advice is to try them all. Either bring another person whose ears you trust or record yourself and listen back to it.

You have vastly different e flat tubas on this list. The Miraphone sounds more like a German bass tuba whereas the Besson sounds much more like a contrabass tuba. If you're looking for a do it all instrument, I think you'll be looking at something like the Besson or the Packer. Eastman also makes an excellent e flat that I think would fit the bill for what you're looking for.

Hi everyone, thank you for all of your responses. I walked away with the Miraphone this past Tuesday and I couldn't be happier! It was the most in tune and clear sounding horn out of all of the choices. I'm looking forward to all of the time I'm going to spend with it.

You made a great choice.