Choosing a EEb Tuba

Steve Inman · Post by **Steve Inman** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 11:57 am

Hi,

Please realize that the replies you receive will undoubtedly be helpful (as you will learn first-hand experience). But the replies will also be skewed toward whatever is the most frequently used horn. Since the tubists in the UK seem to favor the Besson 981, I suspect you will receive a number of replies regarding the strengths of this horn. From reading this forum for several years, the Besson 981 will probably be the most recommended 3+1 configuration compensating Eb. This popularity, in itself, is significant, as it is an indication of the strengths of the horn. But it will be harder to determine if a low number of replies for one of the other horns on your list indicates any particular problems with that/those instruments. Something to keep in mind as this thread progresses.

Regards,

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 12:18 pm

All these models have been found good by some players and which to get is a lot to do with personal preference. Therefore the best thing to do if you are able (you don't indicate where you live) is to play test to find which suits you best in feel, ergonomics and the sound you wish to produce.

However, a few personal comments from me:-

The Besson 981 is no doubt the most popular in the UK and it is an excellent instrument. However they are no longer made in the existing design, so you may have trouble obtaining a new one.

The B&S 3181 feels and sounds more like the Besson 982 in that it has a narrower leadpipe, but due to its wider bore is freer blowing than the Besson. The Courtois 181 is very similar in design as B&S and Courtois are in the same manufacturing group. Another similar (but I believe improved) alternative is the Eb made specially for Mr.Tuba (http://www.Mrtuba.com) by Melton.

The Miraphone 1261 feels much bigger and heavier than the other models and to me sounded more like a contrabass tuba.

I have no experience with the other models.

Lew · Post by **Lew** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:59 pm

What you don't say is what playing situation you want the tuba for. Since you are keeping your existing tuba I assume that you are looking for something with a different sound for some purpose other than that for which you use your current tuba. Are you looking for a more soloistic horn? Do you want something with a larger sound, stronger bottom range? Your intended use would have a large impact on the best tuba to try.

I can't speak for most of these, but I own a Besson 983 and have played the MW 2140, 2141, PT-22 (B&S), and Willson 3400. All of these are larger EEb's that I believe work well as an all around horn for everything but the largest orchestra.

peter birch · Post by **peter birch** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 6:10 pm

[quote="Neptune"]All these models have been found good by some players and which to get is a lot to do with personal preference. Therefore the best thing to do if you are able (you don't indicate where you live) is to play test to find which suits you best...

it is a case of horses for courses. I have a courtois symphonie II and love it. It is free blowing and aesthetically lovely.
it does feel different to the 981, not sure that the difference is enough to justify having one of each though. there ws an interesting review of a sov, the 181 and a maestro in old tubenet - (sorry it was the mouthpiece.com)

charlieJ · Post by **charlieJ** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 12:21 am

I had a similar dilemna in replacing my 982, with remarkably similar requirements. I looked and play-tested just about every e-flat on the market over a period of several years. The reality is that you need to play an instrument before you buy it, and in the US your choice of horns meeting your specs is extremely limited. You will probably be able to play the MW 1261 and the Yamaha 632. To play the others you'll have to go to Europe, but even then you'll have to coordinate your trip to ensure there is a run of those horns available. The HB is one-off, and not a playready horn.

For me, when I factored that I'd pay several thousand dollars for the "right" instrument, I combined business trips and vacations to include side trips to play-test horns. I was willing to go to Europe and play test at various factories. I've only owned 3 tubas in my life (I'm 49), so I am very particular about what I buy. I made my buying experience a journey of sorts, and when I finally found the "right" horn back in June, I knew it immediately. It was very satisfying and I am completely happy with my choice.

That's how I bought my new EEb....

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 1:00 am

peter birch wrote: there ws an interesting review of a sov, the 181 and a maestro in old tubenet - (sorry it was the mouthpiece.com)

Here is link http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5187&

You may also find this interesting comparing the Mr.Tuba compensated tubas to Besson
http://www.tubanews.com/articles/contentid-200.html

Of course, you may want to wait to see what the "new" Besson Eb is like before deciding what to get.

Manituba · Post by **Manituba** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 9:46 am

Hi,

I was in the same situation about a two years ago when I was replacing my 982.

I tried the Yamaha, Willson, B&S, Miraphone, and the 981, 982, and 983.

At the time I was doing all solo work and went with the 983, although all the Bessons I tried were great horns.

The Yamaha also had one thing going for it - the new Yamaha Ebs have the best valves I have ever tried on a new horn.

You should try as many different models as possible because different horns work for different people. For example, I really didn't like the B&S at all. I would never consider buying one for myself, but most people like this instrument.

Now that I'm playing band music for a living I'm using the Yamaha, partly because of the valves but also due to a lack of availability of the 981s in Canada.

Chris

fpoon · Post by **fpoon** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:40 pm

I'm very happy with my 1261. It's 5-6 years old, so it's before Miraphone made a couple of changes and dubbed the newer model "Ambassador".

It's a good all around horn. Has enough bottom end to hold its own in a large ensemble, but is still pretty nimble in the upper register. I have not played many of the other models you've listed though, so I can't say how it compares.

Wyvern · Post by **Wyvern** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:58 am

marcurmi wrote:Until now from the posts received, it seems that for Eb tubas the Bessons especially the 981 seem to be the premium one.

Well, as the 981 is the tuba of choice for the majority of professional/top tubists in the UK would indicate that. It is certainly the Eb to which all others are compared!

You cannot really go wrong with a 981, although another model may be personally preferable to you.

TubeNet

Choosing a EEb Tuba

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