Wanted: Opinions about what are the best E-flats and why.

[charlieJ]

I'm a 40 year Eb player.

Rock on!
Do you have a bigger horn too, or just the 2 Eb's?

You're strengthening my resolve.

I only have the 981 now (need to update the profile). The 981 is an amazing instrument. I actually thought I was playing the Miraphone 1261 when I played mine, and couldn't believe how much better than a Besson it was. Put it back and told the rep it was the best playing comper I had ever touched (I've played gobs of them). This was at ITEC last year. PLayed for hours on all the Ebs, went back the next day to confirm my choices, and whipped out the plastic, walked away with the horn. Very, very happy with it. With a couple of Mike Finn MPs the 981 comes alive!

I do hope to try the Star Light and augment my 981 with a lighter solo horn - it'll be one of the Baadsvik horns...the Norwegian Star I played was freakin awesome.

[charlieJ]

Just noticed the Nirshl pics I took at ITEC that someone posted. They were indeed fantastic horns. However, I coudn't justify the $16K price tag either from a cost perspective or playability perspective. They were not 3 times as good as other effers. Works of art yes, but not a huge leap above the others in playability IMHO.

For $16k, my choice was to get a 981 for $5600 (got it), buy a Norwegian Star for Star Light or $7000 (one day), and spend the remaining $3400 on fly fishing trips (did it - Alaska 2 times). But thats just me....

[Steve Inman]

I have a Yamaha 381. That's the horn with the dependent 5th valve. I had a 983 for a while after using a 321 for about 10 years. I could never feel at home on the 983. Steve I. sold me his 381 and I haven't looked farther. The 381 or 321 are great choices. I've used mine in quintet, band, orchestra, solo and recording.

(bold added by Inman)


... and afterwards I also discovered I wasn't happy with the compensating low register of my 983 -- so I sold the wrong horn! (after trying a few F's, I later was fortunate to find another 381, which I now have as my "small" horn).

Sam sounds very good on his!

Cheers,

[pwhitaker]

I played for over 20 years on Eb's: 6 years each on a Yamaha 321 and Besson 981 and then about 8 years on a Yamaha 381 - which I just sold. I used them exclusively and was very satisfied with the sound and flexibility. I went back to BBb's a few years ago when I quit playing any jobs that required me to read charts due to eye problems brought on by old age and peering at computer monitors for nearly 30 years.

The only issue I had with the Eb's was the outrageous fingering needed for the low BBb down to the low FF on the Yamahas - it wasn't so bad on the compensated Besson.
On fast passages down there one could get really contorted.
My right shoulder went bad and the top valve set up became too painful for me to use as well.

If I ever went back to an Eb (not too likely) I would probably go for the Mirafone Norwegian Star. I have the 1291 BBb and an old 186 4U with a recording bell and both are great horns.

[Oystein Baadsvik]

Check out the story behind the two new e-flats from Miraphone, the Norwegian Star and the Star Light.
http://www.baadsvik.com/?catalogID=124&p=1&art=83

Hint before buying:
Check how the tuba sounds with other instruments, like a trombone section. I have had quite an eye opener while checking the 'blending' capabilities of a horn. Literally, does the horn Want to play with others or not.

I have initiated an event for the next ITEC that I think will be very very interesting. Have the different instrument makers provide horns and players to do an behind screen demo in front of an audience. Ex with a trombone section. Can you actually hear the difference between an E-flat and an F? What about a C and Bb? What does ACTUALLY sound best for the Prokofief Romeo and Juliet? The Norwegian Star Eb or a large C?

Simply a mythbusting session with tubas! I can't wait!
And I hear that several factories has taken the challenge.
Start asking for it. It will tell you more about the different horns that any TubeNet discussion.

Øystein

[Wyvern]

I have initiated an event for the next ITEC that I think will be very very interesting. Have the different instrument makers provide horns and players to do an behind screen demo in front of an audience. Ex with a trombone section. Can you actually hear the difference between an E-flat and an F? What about a C and Bb? What does ACTUALLY sound best for the Prokofief Romeo and Juliet? The Norwegian Star Eb or a large C?

That settles it - I must make the next ITEC

[Wyvern]

Jonathan, have you tried a Norwegian Star or Star Light?

Nope, but would like too!

[Fred]

Thanks everyone for all your opinions, expertise, and experience. It is much appreciated.

Fred