Besson E-flat's

[harrell]

I played the 983 Eb tuba at Midwest and I liked it. I was pleasantly surprised with the compensating low register and great high register.

But, in terms of how they play, how does the 983 compare to the 981 (3+1 setup) Eb. Are they basically the same except for bell size?

Thanks.

[billeuph]

I don't agree with Bryan's comment that the 983 low range will suffer because it has only 4 front valves! The 983 is a compensating tuba just like the 981/2 and the low range is very similar. The position of the valves makes no difference to the range. I use exactly the same fingerings in the low range on both, and the intonnation quirks are similar.

I own both a 982 and a 983 and like them both. The biggest difference is the sound, not the range. The 983 is a bit lighter and brighter. I also find the 983 to be much more comfortable- but you'll have to try them yourself and see what works for you.

Bill Anderson

[Lew]

The only issue with playing for a long time in the low range on the 983 is that you will be using your pinky quite a bit, so you need to make sure that you have the necessary finger strength. I have never been comfortable with the 3+1 setup, so didn't even consider the 980/1/2 when looking at Ebs. I do like not having to deal with a 5th valve, which is only one reason that I chose a 983 over a MW 2141 or Willson 3400.

I would categorize the 983 sound as more of a soloistic one, but it works well to play the top parts in band music as long as there are other tubas in the group. I wouldn't use it as the only tuba in a large ensemble. I do find that the low range on this horn is surprisingly good, but the sound doesn't seem to project as well as on some larger Ebs. I can play down to the pedal Bb on this more easily than on my King 2341, or even my Martin BAT.