EEb as do-it-all horn?

[GC]

@tooba: some posts a few years back said that Fletch used a CC Holton for a good bit of the Star Wars sound track, particularly evident in the Jawas sandcrawler solo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iISxAhvv3ts Check around 3:16. As great as Fletch was, there's no way that's an Eb.

[Mark]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=47206

[TMurphy]

I have owned a 983 as my only horn for close to 10 years now. I got it when I was in college because it just "fit" me perfectly; it allows me to get closer to what's in my head than just about anything else I've played. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

If I had the money, would I get a contrabass to go with it? Sure, but it's certainly not a necessity.

[Mojo workin']

Doc, you mentioned a small BBb as a possible all around horn. Any suggestions on models?

Only one that comes to mind is a Cerveny piggy.

[TheHatTuba]

Doc, you mentioned a small BBb as a possible all around horn. Any suggestions on models?

Only one that comes to mind is a Cerveny piggy.

Mirafone 184/185
YBB-621
Meinl Weston Hojo
Others

[TheHatTuba]

For specific Eb's I vote the Norwegian Star. The Besson's don't play the way I prefer, but some people really like and do great with them.

[GC]

@bloke: the y'all tube video doesn't have the best of sound, but the original soundtrack recording is pretty clear there. I really don't think he used a bass tuba for the Jawas solo; the sound's just too dark and thick.

[EdFirth]

Harvey Phillips did everything on a smaller Conn C which is very like the Conn 3J. The Bb is a 5J and is still in production. Ed

[bort]

Doc, you mentioned a small BBb as a possible all around horn. Any suggestions on models?

Only one that comes to mind is a Cerveny piggy.

Mirafone 184/185
YBB-621
Meinl Weston Hojo
Others

I think "others" is exceptionally helpful.

[Michael Grant]

Like many have said before me on this post, the EEb works fine as an only horn. I agree that for the big stuff (large orchestra and large orchestral works, etc.) a contra-bass is needed (CC or BBb) but I don't play in anything that would require something that large. I use the Willson 3400 EEb. It works well for everything I play in or would ever play. I don't agree with an earlier post that the Norwegian Star would work as the only EEb horn. I spent a couple of hours with one really putting it through the paces and in my opinion, it does not have the balz that the Willson has. When I really wanted to let loose, it couldn't handle it. I've heard and read that the MW 2141 is a good option as well as the Perrantucci EEb. I have not played any of those.

Now, with all that said, I also think the same thing could be accomplished with the Rudy Meinl 3/4 CC. Before all the EEb development, that was "the" all around tuba. So much so that I have considered on many occasions trading my Willson for a 3/4 Rudy (I prefer rotary valves - especially the older I get and the less I play). The one thing that has stopped me from taking the plunge is the sound and response on my Willson. It just sounds great! I'm sure age will finally make that decision for me.

Anyhow, my 2 cents.

[PhilGreen]

I had a 2 month trial with both the Starlight and Norwegian Star and agree with Michael that I didn't think that either had the low down power that I needed/wanted/was used to. The 2040/5 that eventually chose did have this in spades, although I now understand through this forum that it's not a very popular choice.

[Rommel72]

For Many years I had the CC-F tuba combo. Several years ago I cut back to just a CC tuba. Then about a year ago, I decided I wanted something a little more versitile. I was lucky enough to find a used Willson 3400 for a good price. I sold my CC and now play the Willson exclusively. I have played it in various settings (orchestra, ensemble, and solo). I have found that it holds its own very well and am very pleased with the decision I made to switch to EEb as my only horn.

[TheHatTuba]

@bloke: the y'all tube video doesn't have the best of sound, but the original soundtrack recording is pretty clear there. I really don't think he used a bass tuba for the Jawas solo; the sound's just too dark and thick.

.

[bort]

FWIW, I also think the Willson F tuba is a really versatile instrument. I've only spent a small amount of time with one at Dillon's, but it reminded me of a Yamaha 822F, but that it sounded more like an F tuba than a small CC tuba. Low register was awesome and the thing was a ton of fun to play.

[toobagrowl]

@tooba: some posts a few years back said that Fletch used a CC Holton for a good bit of the Star Wars sound track, particularly evident in the Jawas sandcrawler solo.

Possibly. But here is actual footage of the Star Wars scoring session with Williams.
Look at @ 3:47. Fletch and some other tuba player - both on Besson/B&H Eb tubas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBGqxHVH ... re=related

[Amilcare]

I have the BEAST of British-style EEb from Willson. It has very thick metal and weighs a ton.

It is capable of a great deal of sound in all registers. The only problem I had was naysayers liked to put me down by saying it sounded too much like a euph in the upper register.

[Wyvern]

I had a 2 month trial with both the Starlight and Norwegian Star and agree with Michael that I didn't think that either had the low down power that I needed/wanted/was used to. The 2040/5 that eventually chose did have this in spades, although I now understand through this forum that it's not a very popular choice.

I have not tried Noregian Star with ensemble, but am most impressed with the low register on a friend's gold brass example and that is as previous owner of 2040/5. I think the later plays great (except i always found the E above stave very difficult) but the big problem for me was the ergonomics - it felt too top heavy.

[GC]

@tooba: different movie. Plus people change horns within sessions. Fletcher was known to change as the occasion called for. He used a Holton CC on a number of occasions with other groups.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I find that, although the Willson 3400 Eb is a versatile horn, as the sole tuba in a concert band, I find it lacking.

[Lectron]

York Preference Eb Tuba was a very nice acquaintance...

Besson (already then owned by courtois) bought them just to put'em out of business

Better than 981 in every aspect....IMHO