Some Facts and Questions 'bout Eb Tuba

[iiipopes]

Mark Carter, aka "Mr. Tuba," sells a 5-valve Eb rotary made for him by M-W. Review article at TubaNews. I believe some of the other newer Eb rotary horns are also 5-valve. They are becoming standard, just like the 5th valve for the CC finally became a standard a generation ago.

[Chuck(G)]

Some Eb tubas are also auto-compensators, so more than 4 valves isn't ncessary.

And the Willson 3400 is 4p+r.

[Uncle Buck]

St. Petersburg makes a five valve Rotary EEb.

[GC]

You might also look at the Willson 3044. They can be made with 5 valves, although a post not too long ago said that they had never had an order for one.

[iiipopes]

Of course, Rudy Meinl will make anything for you, at about 2/3 the cost of a Thein

[Teubonium]

My MW 2141 has 5 valves, 4 piston, 1 rotory.

(And I love it!!)

[T. J. Ricer]

Here's some info on Eb's. . .

Oystein Baadsvick used to play on the HB five rotor Eb and now plays on the Mirafone Norwegian Star five rotor Eb. The Meinl Weston and St. Pete have already been discussed as well. . . Anyone played the St. Pete? I've never heard an opinion one way or the other about those.

As far as 4+1 piston Ebs, they are becoming more and more common:

PT-22 Perantucci
Wilson Eb
Meinl Weston
Walter Nirschl

The Yamaha YEB-321 was available with a dependent fifth valve at one point. I think it had another model number with the added valve.

Baltimore Brass has a York Eb that's been adjusted to a 4+1 in their used horn section.

I used to own an Alexander Eb, but that only had four rotors. Cervany does a four rotor Eb.

that's all I can think of at the moment. . .

--T. J.

[Steve Inman]

viewtopic.php?t=10163&highlight=

Willson makes a larger rotary Eb tuba, and could if requested make a 5V version. Rather interesting, I think.

However, IMO, the Willson 3400 4P+1R version with the 17.75" bell would be the best choice out there for the one-tuba solution. Bell almost as large as the Conn 52J, bore slightly larger (see linked article for confirmation of the "real" Willson bore dimension), pitched about half way between CC and F.

I presently own a YEB-381 with some Lee Stofer customization (flat whole step 5th valve). A nice choice for a very capable Eb with a slightly more focused sound than the Willson 3400. I do occasionally ponder selling it and my Conn 56J and moving to the Willson Eb as an only horn, however. The Willson's I've played are quite nice.

Regards,

[Toobist]

I tried the Nirschl EEb some years ago over at Custom. I play an early Nirschl CC so I had to try it. The pitch was incredible. I've never sat down and was able to blow a horn so in tune on the first go. Let alone an EEb! I'm normally rather flat as soon as I pick up an F or EEb and need a few minutes to get my bearings. It played very close to my own, being a Nirschl, of course so that's probably why. Still, I was very very pleased with the quality of sound and pitch. I nearly traded my CC in for it! I'd love to pick one up now.... anyone know of one around?

Al Carter
Toronto

[UDELBR]

The Gronitz Eb is pretty slick as well. Got that wide-bell American tooba sound.

[djwesp]

You can toot all the horns you want.... but I know this.


They will have to pry my Bess 983 from my dead hands.


It is that good... I don't care what you say!

[Randy Beschorner]

djwesp Wrote:

They will have to pry my Bess 983 from my dead hands.

Make that two of us.

[GC]

Does anyone know if Rudy Meinl has ever made an Eb?