Best E Flat tubas in the market

[TUbajohn20J]

Without having read any of the previous replies, my 2 favorite E Flat horns are the Besson 981 and PT-22.

[cjk]

If the Norweigan Star's low BB and BBb hadn't OINKED, I would have sold my Besson 983 and bought it. Other than that VERY DISAPPOINTING trait, it was an excellent horn and very resonant!

....

I've played both the Miraphone rotor E flat tubas and thought the low BBb was fine, just like all the notes in that register.

No one has mentioned the 3+1 Miraphone Ambassador. Does anybody like those?

[Kevin Hendrick]

http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary ... sters.html

Thank you, sir! Useful information -- it's so much less confusing when everybody's on the same page.

[Wyvern]

If the Norweigan Star's low BB and BBb hadn't OINKED, I would have sold my Besson 983 and bought it. Other than that VERY DISAPPOINTING trait, it was an excellent horn and very resonant!...
I guess it depends on what kind of sound you are looking for:
"Lean/Focused" : Star/Starlight (German style rotary design)

Maybe you were trying with an incomparable mouthpiece. I have recently tried three Norwegian Star and all had incredible low register - not a hint of problem with BB and BBb.

For sound, I found the Star Light lean almost like a MW182, but the Norwegian Star broader than my PT-15.

The Norwegian Star particularly in gold brass seems superb tuba and would no doubt be my choice if getting another Eb. As some may remember I had a MW 2040/5 before - although that played well, ergonomically I found it left a lot to be desired. The Star is nice to hold more like the PT-15.

[peter birch]

mine is a Courtois 3+1, it is a bit bigger than the Besson, both in the piston size and in the bore (by about 1.5mm if memory serves). Buffet discontinued it when they took over Courtois,
but it is similar to Mr Tuba's instrument. The wrap of the instrument is more open than the Besson which, to me, makes it easier to blow and more aesthetically pleasing

[Wyvern]

I believe the B&S 3181 is the same model as the Courtois 181 and is still available
http://www.b-and-s.com/index.php?id=34&L=1

I used to have a 3181. Nice tuba except I had intermittent sticking valves, but that was probably just problem with that particular example?

[peter birch]

I believe the B&S 3181 is the same model as the Courtois 181 and is still available
http://www.b-and-s.com/index.php?id=34&L=1

I used to have a 3181. Nice tuba except I had intermittent sticking valves, but that was probably just problem with that particular example?

I have had no particular problems with mine.

[joh_tuba]

Without some sort of criteria(musical goals or guidelines of what your priorities from an instrument should be) this thread will just be another list of every possible tuba available and who likes it.

THAT SAID: That absolutely most satisfying overall just a well balanced everything just where I would like it to be Eb tuba I've played is the PT-22. It's ironic that it has never been listed on the B&S website and is no longer listed on the Custom Music site. It is/was a great great horn. Quite possibly the best do everything tuba ever made.

The other Ebs I've enjoyed include the Norwegian Stars(both of them) and the YEB321(I'd love one with five valves).

The Willson, Besson, and Kanstul Ebs have all been complete duds as far as I'm concerned. I'm always impressed by those that have taken the time to overcome all the issues inherent in them.

Disclaimer: I don't play Eb on a regular or even semi-regular basis. I have a YEB321 that I'm pondering turning into a front action five valve horn but I might just sell it instead. I already have a PT6, 3/4 Rudy CC, PT15, PT605, and a Sterling Euph. Not a lot of need for an Eb in that pack.

Mostly I wanted to drum up interest in the PT22.. That horn deserves to be circulating in the wild.

[peter birch]

I have to say that I never really got the hang of the Yamaha 321's, they were never as sturdy as the (then Boosey & Hawkes) Imperials, for a small bell Eb, and my little finger was never strong enough to push the 4th valve,

[DonShirer]

Pete: I had one for five years until DW insisted that two tubas were one too many. Worked fine, was more on pitch than many tubas I've played, and my 80 year old finger seemed plenty strong enough for that fourth valve???

[peter birch]

Pete: I had one for five years until DW insisted that two tubas were one too many. Worked fine, was more on pitch than many tubas I've played, and my 80 year old finger seemed plenty strong enough for that fourth valve???

Which is why I said it didn't work for me. It probably reflects the way I learned to play. Starting on a 3 valved top action baritone, moving to a 3+1 euphonium and then to a 3+1 tuba. Interestingly enough, I didn't find a 4 rotor valved front action tuba as difficult to play as a 4 valved top action instrument.

[Wyvern]

I didn't find a 4 rotor valved front action tuba as difficult to play as a 4 valved top action instrument.

Same here - I had no problem adjusting to rotary front action valves