Am considering an E-flat sousaphone; guidance sought

[WC8KCY]

I'm currently performing with a Holton Monster E-flat tuba and would like to obtain a comparable vintage large E-flat sousaphone companion for it. I haven't auditioned any E-flat sousas yet, but the Conn 26K/28K and comparable Pan American models seem to be a logical place to start. There's also a robust-looking York on a leading auction site right now that looks interesting, but is priced way high. Are there other vintage big E-flat models out there worth seeking out?

[Michael Grant]

I played a friends King 4-valve Eb that was great. Open and free blowing, easy to play. Outside of that I don't have any advice on which models to look for however, I can say this: If it does not have a 4th valve, don't consider it. An Eb suzi without that 4th valve will only limit/inhibit you.

Good luck on your search.

[imperialbari]

If you are are going for a full circle Eb sousaphone (no fake tubing over the left shoulder), then you should make sure that there is room enough for you to breathe inside the circle.

Klaus

[iiipopes]

I agree that the Conn 26K may be a better match to your Holton eefer. You can get some idea about the various models over the years at the Conn Loyalist website. It does have the "fake" shoulder loop, but it fits like a BBb and plays more like a BBb souzy that way.

And in addition to making sure it fits, you will need to decide if you really need a 4th valve. If you get the Conn and have the upper loop converted to a usable slide with your left hand, then you set three long for 2+3 and everything else will lock in as you need to with the #1 slide.

Also, these large bore eefer souzys have great "false pedal" tones, so with the 1st valve circuit conversion, you don't really need a 4th valve and all that extra weight to carry around.

[WC8KCY]

Thank you for the insights; they confirm my initial thoughts that a big Conn or King Eb is likely to do the job well.

As for my Holton, I can't thank Matt at Dillon's enough for convincing me to give it a try earlier this year. I wasn't even considering an E-flat tuba, but when Matt played it for me over the phone, I bought it right then and there and now think I could happily spend the rest of my life with it. It's got the exact tone I've been searching for, plays in tune, is great fun to play, and I'm showered with compliments whenever I perform with it. Once I get a sousaphone, it's going in for a new leadpipe and a 4th valve conversion.