British Eb Bass Choice
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British Eb Bass Choice
Hiya
I am currently preparing to get hold of my own Eb bass. I want a 3+1 layout, as I play in brass bands mainly but also occasionally play other ensembles (pits, symphony orchestras and quintets)
I currently play on a early 90's Besson 982 (supplied by my band), however I don't want to get another big bell besson.
I have narrowed it down to two I want to try.
Besson 980
Yamaha YEB-632
I am erring on the side of the 980 as it has the 17" bell which I like the idea of more than the 19", as my solo work tends to take me higher. However I haven't heard enough about the YEB-632 to rule it out and won't get to play it until the nationals in SA this year.
Please feel free to offer other suggestions as well.
Cheers
I am currently preparing to get hold of my own Eb bass. I want a 3+1 layout, as I play in brass bands mainly but also occasionally play other ensembles (pits, symphony orchestras and quintets)
I currently play on a early 90's Besson 982 (supplied by my band), however I don't want to get another big bell besson.
I have narrowed it down to two I want to try.
Besson 980
Yamaha YEB-632
I am erring on the side of the 980 as it has the 17" bell which I like the idea of more than the 19", as my solo work tends to take me higher. However I haven't heard enough about the YEB-632 to rule it out and won't get to play it until the nationals in SA this year.
Please feel free to offer other suggestions as well.
Cheers
- Peach
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
I think Besson consistency is currently very good but I'd expect examples of say, the 982, to vary over the years at least as much as any variety you find comparing them to a 980.
Peach
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Don't forget to consider the Wessex TE460 Solo Eb which has 16¾" bell before deciding. Having beautiful tone and spot on intonation - and now with hardened gold brass bell, large valve buttons and improved finish - an increasing number of people are finding this is just the Eb they require.
http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/eeb-solo/
Wessex, Australia will have in stock from June, or we can supply from UK next month.
http://www.wessexbrass.com.au
http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/eeb-solo/
Wessex, Australia will have in stock from June, or we can supply from UK next month.
http://www.wessexbrass.com.au
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Cheers guys.
Neptune, I was just having a look at the Wessex range. Does the TE460 have a floating leadpipe like it's TE560 sibling? That's something I haven't seen on an Eb a apart from on the Geneva Symphony. It looks like it could be all I need.
Neptune, I was just having a look at the Wessex range. Does the TE460 have a floating leadpipe like it's TE560 sibling? That's something I haven't seen on an Eb a apart from on the Geneva Symphony. It looks like it could be all I need.
J. Handley
Eb Tuba
Melbourne, Australia
Eb Tuba
Melbourne, Australia
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Imperials sound fantastic. In my listening experience the 19" bell family of tubas work fine but they're "just there".
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
I occasionally play an Imperial (when marching and when my tuba has been getting serviced). I do like them, however it the ones I have been offered don't have the best valves, which is a tad sad.TheGoyWonder wrote:Imperials sound fantastic. In my listening experience the 19" bell family of tubas work fine but they're "just there".
My problem with the 19" bell basses is they sound a little woolly. I like the idea of having a clearer sound; and not struggling with the 19" bell in the boot of my car!
J. Handley
Eb Tuba
Melbourne, Australia
Eb Tuba
Melbourne, Australia
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Yes, the TE460 has the floating leadpipe. In fact we originally decided to apply the floating leadpipe after getting couple Solo without the leadpipe soldered to the bell responding better than others.AnorakHorn wrote:
Neptune, I was just having a look at the Wessex range. Does the TE460 have a floating leadpipe like it's TE560 sibling? That's something I haven't seen on an Eb a apart from on the Geneva Symphony. It looks like it could be all I need.
The TE460 is my personal favourite Eb - I like the clearer tone of the smaller bell.
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Are you in the U.S. or Britain?
2052sg Euphonium-
2110L BBb tuba
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Vestal(NY) Community Band(tuba)
Maine(NY) Community Band(conductor)
2110L BBb tuba
3/4 Conn Eb tuba
Southern Tier Concert Band(euph)]
Vestal(NY) Community Band(tuba)
Maine(NY) Community Band(conductor)
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Well I will definitely have to have a blow when they come to the Australian supplier. I've heard good things about the Geneva, having a real ring to its sound, so with the small bell that sounds excellent. I appreciate the help!
I'm in Australia eupho. Victoria to be precise. One downside of living here is the lack of access to many horns.
I'm in Australia eupho. Victoria to be precise. One downside of living here is the lack of access to many horns.
J. Handley
Eb Tuba
Melbourne, Australia
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
Hi Bendiago
Box Hill Band / Matt vE have or had 2 of the old-ish 15 inch bell / 4 valve Eb Imperial tubas they were trying to sell last year.
They might still be for sale? Bonus points for being able to try before you buy.
Box Hill Band / Matt vE have or had 2 of the old-ish 15 inch bell / 4 valve Eb Imperial tubas they were trying to sell last year.
They might still be for sale? Bonus points for being able to try before you buy.
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
The woolliness may be changed with a different mouthpiece. If I use my Wick 2XL, it's a little woolly, I suppose. I always took that to be the "British sound" . With the Miraphone TU17 I mostly use now, it isn't woolly and seems to slot considerably better.AnorakHorn wrote:My problem with the 19" bell basses is they sound a little woolly. I like the idea of having a clearer sound; and not struggling with the 19" bell in the boot of my car!
I do think the smaller bell may be an excellent choice. I've been having these fantasies lately about replaceable 17" upright and front-pointing bells.
Gary Merrill
Wessex EEb tuba (Wick 3XL)
Amati oval euph (DE LN106J6Es)
Mack Brass euph (DE LN106J9)
Buescher 1924 Eb, std rcvr, Kelly 25
Schiller bass trombone (DE LB/J/J9/Lexan 110, Brass Ark MV50R)
Olds '47 Standard trombone (mod. Kelly 12c)
Wessex EEb tuba (Wick 3XL)
Amati oval euph (DE LN106J6Es)
Mack Brass euph (DE LN106J9)
Buescher 1924 Eb, std rcvr, Kelly 25
Schiller bass trombone (DE LB/J/J9/Lexan 110, Brass Ark MV50R)
Olds '47 Standard trombone (mod. Kelly 12c)
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
I shall have one eye out, although I have only ever seen one!bloke wrote:Keep your eyes open for an old Yamaha YEB-631.
I don't mind the 15" bell imperials, however they aren't exactly what I am after. I shall keep it in mind though.tubalux wrote:Box Hill Band / Matt vE have or had 2 of the old-ish 15 inch bell / 4 valve Eb Imperial tubas they were trying to sell last year.
I get what you are saying about the British sound of the 19" bells. I like the idea of the Eb bass being the bridge between the Euphoniums and the Bb basses. I try to play so that there is a little more crispness to the bass part, which is sometimes hard on the big bell horns, despite my slightly smaller mouthpiece. I play on a Denis Wick 3L (with the new heritage design).ghmerrill wrote:The woolliness may be changed with a different mouthpiece. If I use my Wick 2XL, it's a little woolly, I suppose. I always took that to be the "British sound" . With the Miraphone TU17 I mostly use now, it isn't woolly and seems to slot considerably better.
I do think the smaller bell may be an excellent choice. I've been having these fantasies lately about replaceable 17" upright and front-pointing bells.
Mentioning a replaceable bell bass, there was an Eb imperial on eBay a little while ago that had that, although I think it was a 19" version. it was an interesting thing.
J. Handley
Eb Tuba
Melbourne, Australia
Eb Tuba
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Re: British Eb Bass Choice
I would recommend the Yamaha YEB-631 as well, it is the "baby sister" to my BBb. As I recall, a smaller bell than the 632 also.
Good luck.
Good luck.
1990 Yamaha YBB-631 4/4 BBb Compensating Tuba
1995 Yamaha YEP-201 Euphonium
Conn 605 Trombone
Fretted and Fretless 5 String Electric Bass
1995 Yamaha YEP-201 Euphonium
Conn 605 Trombone
Fretted and Fretless 5 String Electric Bass