TubeNet

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 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.

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

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.

Imperials sound fantastic. In my listening experience the 19" bell family of tubas work fine but they're "just there".

TheGoyWonder wrote:Imperials sound fantastic. In my listening experience the 19" bell family of tubas work fine but they're "just there".

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.

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!

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.

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.

The TE460 is my personal favourite Eb - I like the clearer tone of the smaller bell.

Are you in the U.S. or Britain?

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.

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.

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!

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.

bloke wrote:Keep your eyes open for an old Yamaha YEB-631.

I shall have one eye out, although I have only ever seen one!

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 don't mind the 15" bell imperials, however they aren't exactly what I am after. I shall keep it in mind though.

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.

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).
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.

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.