Which Eb Tuba is THE Best?

[vmi5198]

I have included the models which I consider to be on top of the Eb tuba market. Here is what I am interested in:

The single most important thing when considering an instrument is sound, sound, sound. But what about other aspects of the instrument, such as flexablilty in different ensembles, weight, and of course cost?

One other concern that has unfortunately been a really big issue in my experience is "which way the bell is pointing". I have had countless confrontations with conductors and other tuba players having an issue as to which way the bell is facing. I know this is sad, but because it is a big concern in certain ensembles, does this fact also account for which instrument to buy?

Your thoughts...

[Chuck(G)]

Mark, your choices only involve new tubas. Probably the best Eb tuba in terms of response and sound that I've ever played is an old 1895 Henry Distin. 3 valves, but what the heck, playing one of these relics is an amazing experience.

Chuck (Who also puts in a lot of notes on a Willson 3400) (G)

[Jay Bertolet]

Unless I'm mistaken, the Willson Eb in your picture is the much smaller compensating model. I don't even know the model number mostly because they don't sell them here in the US except on special order. I have a friend here that has one of those horns (in lacquer) and he told me how difficult it was to get the horn. He loves his but I found it a bit too small for my tastes. Even though he tells me that he really likes his compensating Willson, he has lately been using a Boosey 981. I guess we all go through stages.

[winston]

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[vmi5198]

Is there something wrong with that image? or is it supposed to look like it's a left handed horn?

He's holding the horn with his left, and using upright valves with his right...

[winston]

.

[vmi5198]

One other concern that has unfortunately been a really big issue in my experience is "which way the bell is pointing". I have had countless confrontations with conductors and other tuba players having an issue as to which way the bell is facing. I know this is sad, but because it is a big concern in certain ensembles, does this fact also account for which instrument to buy?
Your thoughts...

Any comments for this issue at all? What about the flexibility of the horn in different ensembles?

[Captain Sousie]

The way that the bell is facing should not be an issue. Some of the best horns are either fixed recording bell or have upright valves. Sound should be the only thing that matters.

By the way, you didn't include my naked lady Eb, for shame.

Sousie

[Chuck(G)]

The way that the bell is facing should not be an issue. Some of the best horns are either fixed recording bell or have upright valves. Sound should be the only thing that matters.

"Should" be the only thng, but you're forgetting some BDs (particularly Brass Band BDs) like to have their tuba row looking nice and tidy.

So you play whatever works.

[Captain Sousie]

I remember hearing that the MW 2141 is much improved. Can anyone comment on that?

Sure, I have played both a new and an older 2141 and I will say that the newer is a lot better in the valves and intonation. This might be due to variation in the different tubas but it was still appreciably better.

Sousie

[tubatooter1940]

I haven't played that many horns but feel that the 1940 King bell front,three valve,top action,piston was a real good deal for me.The bell front is great for recording and accoustic performances.Also E-flat tubas are so darn cheap its amazing.There are quite a few E-flats on E-bay
where I found my horn.The savings from buying a cheap but good playing
horn enabled me to buy a 1,200 watt P.A. system to blow it thrugh.
Tubatooter1940